After the outbreak of SARS flu outbreak a few years ago, several major airports in Asia discovered the benefits of utilizing infrared thermal imaging camera technology. The Thermal cameras are an effective way to implicate infrared surveillance and virus monitoring in order to control the spread by travelers of the new H1N1 virus- commonly known as the swine flu.

The thermal imaging cameras used in airports are specifically designed to detect anyone with a higher than normal body temperature in a subtle and non invasive way. The cameras are able to gather information on an individuals body temperature in a matter of seconds allowing airport officials to vastly narrow down possible carriers of the diseases and help avoid a flu pandemic. The cameras produce infrared images of people's faces and detects if the temperature falls within a certain acceptable range. The cameras are easy to use by non specialist and airport security can train to use the thermal imaging camera within a few hours. Many of the devices actually require no active monitoring due to both color and sound alarms (Isotherm) that alert airport security if anyone has a temperature outside the normal range.

The aim of the thermal imaging cameras in airports is to detect people and efficiently identify those who are in good health and those who might be contaminated with the swine flu. The symptoms of the swine flu are sore throat, nausea, cough and the detectable fever. If the thermal imaging device detects a person with unacceptable body temperature that person will need further medical analysis by a health care specialist in order to determine whether the fever is caused by the swine influenza virus or another disease is causing the symptoms.

Infrared and thermal imaging cameras are vital tools for controlling an outbreak of swine flu or any other viral infection. They are very useful and can be used in many areas where large amounts of people are passing by. Besides airports they could be used in train stations, subways and building entrances. These Cameras are vital tools in todays age when viruses are mutating at an ever increasing rate and the ease of long distance travel puts the entire species at higher risks from world wide epidemics. Hopefully at least in part due to Thermal imaging cameras we will be able to curb and control the swine flu and all future outbreaks of dangerous and deadly viral diseases.

by Chris Jarmon

Mr. Jarmon previously worked in airport security and is familiar with airport security protocols and screening.

References:

Flir systems ltd. http://www.applegate.co.uk/news/new1/20792.htm?view=NEWS_105027(May 1, 2009)