Screening passengers for the Ebola virus

Screening airport passengers for signs of Ebola could limit the spread of the virus across international borders, although such safeguards – including medical surveys and temperature scans – are not foolproof

HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRES
People from Ebola-hit countries required to give details of symptoms and contact with infected patients. Travellers may be unaware that they have been exposed to Ebola,or may not disclose information

MEDICAL TESTS
Travellers with raised temperature subjected to blood test or quarantine. Ebola test takes hours or days to get result

THERMAL CAMERAS
Show heat of passengers as they walk past – those  displaying red are stopped  for further screening. Measures temperature of skin rather than body, raising accuracy issues 

TEMPERATURE CHECKS
Handheld infrared thermometerpointed at forehead estimates bodytemperature within seconds. Checks can miss people with nosymptoms (Ebola incubates for up to 21 days), or those taking drugs such as ibuprofen

SURVEILLANCE
Customs staff at points of entry observe and question passengers for signs of illness. Infected person can appear perfectly well if they have not yet developed symptoms

Active check

Passive check

Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images