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Investigation of febrile passengers detected by infrared thermal scanning at an international airport
Citation
McBride, WJH and Buikstra, E and Fitzgerald, MA, 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. ISSN 1326-0200 (2010) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00466.x
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. © 2010 Public Health Association of Australia.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | fever, surveillance, infrared, rays, travel, patient participation |
Research Division: | Biomedical and Clinical Sciences |
Research Group: | Clinical sciences |
Research Field: | Infectious diseases |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Disease distribution and transmission (incl. surveillance and response) |
UTAS Author: | Fitzgerald, MA (Professor Mary Fitzgerald) |
ID Code: | 61469 |
Year Published: | 2010 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 14 |
Deposited By: | Nurse Education Unit |
Deposited On: | 2010-03-03 |
Last Modified: | 2011-05-18 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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