# 555
The idea of using thermal body scans to detect passengers with fevers isn't new. During the SARS crisis of 2003, they were employed at several airports around the world, including Singapore, Manila, and Hong Kong.
The idea is simple. Any passenger with an elevated temperature would be pulled aside, and examined for a possible viral infection. These thermal scanners work in real time, and are very sensitive.
The problem is, those infected with influenza can shed the virus for 24 (some say 48) hours before becoming symptomatic. Unlike many diseases, they are infectious before showing signs such as a fever or cough.
So thermal scanners would only be partially effective, catching those who are febrile, but not necessarily all those who might be infected.
Still, for a world guarding against a possible pandemic, something is better than nothing.
This report from Khaleej Times.
Dohms mulls thermo scanners at airports
By a staff reporter
8 March 2007
DUBAI — The Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms) is mulling using thermo scanners to detect symptoms of bird flu among people arriving in the country, a health official said yesterday.
Dr Ibtesam Bastaki, Head of the Dohms Airport Clinic clarified that no case of bird flu had been reported in the country so far. “However, these are precautionary measures being taken by the health authorities,” she said, adding that the thermo scanners had been put into place during the SARS outbreak in 2005.
Explaining the working of the scanners, Dr Bastaki said if a person is detected having a temperature that is even one degree higher than the normal body temperature (37 degrees Celsius), they may be subjected to tests to check if they are suffering from the disease or not.
“This process will not hamper the normal passenger flow at the airport,” she said.
She said the scanners could well be placed permanently at the airport.
