O-20 The Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System- Using Digital Health to Enhance Regional Health Security in the Caribbean
Author(s):
L Indar, A Bissoon-Pustam, K Daniel, F Mohammed, O Cyrus, S Kissoondan
Country(ies) Of Focus:
- CARPHA Member States
- CARICOM Countries
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: High and increasing numbers of visitors to the
Caribbean region amplifies the health, safety, and security
risks posed to local populations. CARPHA’s Caribbean
Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS) aims to identify and
monitor infectious diseases on cruise ships allowing for
early detection and response to public health emergencies.
Methods: The CVSS is a novel electronic system created to enhance the monitoring and response to illnesses and outbreaks in passengers and crew on ships. It is designed to capture symptoms for the six syndromes under surveillance, including suspect COVID-19 cases. Real time alerts are sent to countries if illness thresholds are reached before the ship arrives, to trigger an informed rapid response from countries.
Results: From October 2021 to May 2022, 996 alerts were sent, based on CDC thresholds. With CDC Voluntary Programme for COVID-19 for Cruise Ships, the threshold was increased from 0.1% to 0.3% passengers and 1% for crew. The number of Yellow Alerts markedly increased from December to January 2022, likely due to Omicron. Following relaxation of restrictions globally, the number of Orange status ships over the last two months have increased, indicating spread on vessels beyond the update thresholds.
Conclusion: The CVSS alerts provided countries with relevant information before ships arrived, resulting in a range of responses (including denying entry/entry with only well persons disembarking, inspection before entry), thereby reducing disease spread across borders, and enhancing regional health security. The CVSS can provide a sustainable approach in monitoring illness on cruise ships, lending toward a healthier, safer travel in the Caribbean.