Investigation of febrile passengers detected by infrared thermal scanning at an international airport

McBride, William J.H., Buikstra, Elizabeth, and Fitzgerald, Mary (2010) Investigation of febrile passengers detected by infrared thermal scanning at an international airport. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 34 (1). pp. 5-10.

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the best approach for the evaluation of fever, detected by infrared thermal scanning, at an international airport.

Methods: Arriving passengers with fever were divided into three groups: community evaluation by a GP, with or without cost compensation, or evaluation at the airport by a health practitioner. Uptake of offered evaluations was measured, diagnoses were recorded, and region-specific rates of fever measured. Observations were made on practical aspects of thermal screening.

Results: Over a six-month period, 181,759 passengers were screened for fever at the Cairns international airport, Queensland, Australia. Fever was identified in 118 (0.06%) of the arriving passengers and 76 were enrolled in the study. Only 19 of these passengers (25%) voluntarily underwent further evaluation. No differences were observed in the three approaches.

Conclusions: Public health surveillance of febrile passengers arriving at an international airport should not rely on voluntary passenger participation for the detection of imported contagious diseases.

Item ID: 9232
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1753-6405
Keywords: fever; surveillance; infrared rays; travel; patient participation
Date Deposited: 08 Aug 2010 23:13
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111716 Preventive Medicine @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110309 Infectious Diseases @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920407 Health Protection and/or Disaster Response @ 34%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920401 Behaviour and Health @ 33%
92 HEALTH > 9201 Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) > 920109 Infectious Diseases @ 33%
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