Saudi installs thermal cameras at airports - swine flu

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to install thermal imaging cameras at all airports to try and identify anyone entering the country who may be infected with swine flu, it was reported on Wednesday.

The health ministry said a scientific committee had been formed to study the latest information from the World Health Organisation on the virus, and would be making recommendations on preventing any possible outbreak in the Kingdom.

“We are also following instructions given by the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control, which has been monitoring the disease from the beginning,” the spokesman said, according to Saudi daily Arab News.

“All 20 health regions in the Kingdom have been alerted and quarantine officials who will operate the thermal cameras at all entry points will be alert for passengers from affected countries,” he added.

The ministry had also opened its laboratories to conduct clinical examinations on a 24/7 basis and set up a toll-free telephone line — 800 249 4444 – where concerned residents could access the relevant information, the spokesperson told the newspaper. Dr Amin Mishkas, director general of the Infectious Diseases Department at the ministry, also revealed that the anti-flu drug Tamiflu would be administered for prevention and treatment.

“The Health Ministry has adequate stocks of the medicine,” he said.

A Kingdom-wide awareness campaign concerning the disease would also be launched, he said, adding that a special meeting of GCC health ministers would be held in Riyadh on May 9 to discuss uniform measures.