With panic stretching across Mexico and the U.S. and the World Health Organization (WHO) raising the pandemic alert to level 5 for swine flu (influenza A virus H1N1). Thailand and other Asian neighbors such as Vietnam and China have dusted off thermal scanners at airports for careful screening of those who enter the country to prevent spread of the new influenza strain.

Governments dealing with the swine flu threat have drawn on these experiences and put in effect emergency plans. Countries that have also installed thermal Scanners to check for signs of fever among arriving passengers from North America. South Korea, India and Indonesia also announced screening.Thai health officials said only a handful of people have tripped thermal cameras set up to detect flu symptoms at different airport. All of them had elevated body temperatures, but they were not caused by swine flu. Authorities said the most likely way for the deadly swine flu virus to enter the country is though air travel.

Like other nations in Asia, Thailand is trying to minimize that risk. There are no direct flights between Thailand and Mexico the country hardest hit by swine flu. But connecting flights through Europe will be screened for any passengers showing flu symptoms. In fact, Thailand is screening people with thermal cameras at its three major international gateways and has five units at its disposal.  They device beeps upon detecting anyone passing the scanner  with a body temperature above 37 degrees Celsius, which is standard for humans. Each unit comprises an infrared thermal camera, a processor and a monitor to show the results of readings.  Each gate can scan large groups at a time, not just people in a row. So passenger flow goes smoothly at arrival lounges in those airports.

Some airlines are also conducting regular deep-clean fumigation with EcoTru 1453 on board flights flown to and from high-risk countries for approximately 30-40 minutes prior to next flight departure. 36 common touch points are being disinfected as an additional precaution by cleaning items in the passenger seat pocket, aircraft interior, passenger seat, galley, and lavatory on board. Some aircrafts, in addition to regular on-ground cleaning upon flight arrival and increased cabin lavatory cleaning during flight.  Airbus and Boeing have guaranteed that TRUE HEPA air filters will keep the air throughout the aircraft as pure as in hospital units. The cabin crew is on constant alert for passengers who show signs of possible flu symptoms, especially those who have respiratory problems, such as coughing or sneezing.

Surgical masks are available for passengers to wear to prevent the spread of infection. Passengers who have possibly contracted the swine flu will be separated and the cabin crew will contact the international infectious diseases unit prior to flight landing.  Furthermore, some airlines ensure that the fruits, vegetables, and meats used in meal preparation, according to the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) for hygienic meals on board. International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized (30-Apr-09) that airlines are prepared for the heightened level of alert, having worked with the WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines.

by Md Abdul Bari Shameem