A system and method for sanitizing a target zone include an infrared (IR) sensor, a control unit, and one or more ultraviolet (UV) lamps. The IR sensor is configured to generate thermal image data of a target zone within a space. The control unit includes one or more processors and is communicatively connected to the IR sensor and the one or more UV lamps. The control unit is configured to determine an occupancy status of the target zone based on the thermal image data and a reference temperature of the space. Each of the one or more UV lamps is configured to emit UV light into the target zone. The control unit is configured to operate the one or more UV lamps based on the determined occupancy status of the target zone.