The practice of assessing individuals for higher-than-normal body heat serves as a preliminary evaluation method. Such evaluations often employ infrared thermography or temporal artery thermometers to detect deviations from a standard temperature range. For example, a reading above a predetermined threshold, typically around 100.4F (38C), would flag an individual for further medical assessment.
This initial assessment plays a crucial role in public health initiatives, particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Its implementation can contribute to the early identification and isolation of potentially contagious individuals, thereby limiting disease transmission. Historically, its use has varied in scope and application depending on the severity and nature of public health threats.
