Ferguson hands over thermal sensors to Sangster Airport
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson on Wednesday handed over two hand-held thermal sensors to the port health staff at the Sangster International Airport as part of the Government’s Ebola preparedness and response activities.
“The Ministry of Health continues to put systems in place at our points of entry to heighten surveillance so that we can quickly detect any potential case of Ebola that may enter the country. These devices can assist in identifying persons who may have a fever. Fever is one of the symptoms of Ebola and this would trigger the need for further investigation by the health team,” Ferguson said.
He added that with the current Ebola outbreak which has seen cases rising to over 10,000 and close to 5,000 deaths and with cases in the United States and Spain, Jamaica’s response especially at the Points of Entry must be heightened as this is how the disease would be introduced to the country.
The two devices were donated. Last week Sagicor donated funds to purchase a walk-through thermal sensing unit for the Sangster International Airport.
Meanwhile, Ferguson also handed over personal protective equipment to the port health staff and said that this was part of ensuring that front line workers are given the tools and gear needed to minimise their risk of infection.