Frequently Asked Questions
on the Management of Cadavers |
| Given the widespread interest in the topic of management of dead bodies,
PAHO/WHO, the ICRC and a broad group of global experts have collaborated
to produce practical decision-making guidelines on this delicate and difficult
task. These frequently-asked questions are an example of the kind of information
contained in a new publication on the subject, which should be ready by
April 2006. Watch this web site for more news. |
Information
for the Public |
1. Do dead bodies cause epidemics?
Dead bodies from natural disasters do not cause epidemics. This
is because victims of natural disasters die from trauma, drowning or fire.
They do not have epidemic causing diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria
or plague when they die.
2. What are the health risks for the public?
The risk to the general public is negligible. They do not touch or handle
dead bodies. However, there is a small risk of diarrhoea from drinking
water contaminated by faecal material from dead bodies. Routine disinfection
of drinking water is sufficient to prevent water borne diseases.
3. Can dead bodies contaminate water?
Potentially – yes. Dead bodies often leak faeces, which may contaminate
rivers or other water sources with diarrhoeal diseases. However, people
will generally avoid drinking water from any source they think has had
dead bodies in it.
4. Is spraying bodies with disinfectant
or lime powder effective?
No, it is not effective. It does not increase decomposition or reduce
the risk of disease.
5. Local officials and journalists say
there is a risk of disease from dead bodies. Are they correct?
No. The risk from dead bodies after natural disasters is misunderstood
by many professionals or the media. Even local or expatriate health workers
are often misinformed and contribute to the spread of rumours. |
Information
for Workers |
6. Is there a risk for those handling the
dead bodies?
For people handling the bodies (rescue workers, mortuary workers, etc.),
there is a small risk from tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV and diarrhoeal
diseases. However, these diseases do not last more than two days in a dead
body (except for HIV that may survive up to six days). These risks can be
reduced by wearing rubber boots and gloves and practicing basic hygiene
(washing hands). 7. Should workers wear
a mask?
The smell from decaying bodies is unpleasant, but it is NOT a health risk
in well ventilated spaces/areas and wearing a mask is not required on
health grounds. However, workers may feel better psychologically if they
are using masks. The public should not be actively encouraged to wear
masks. |
Information
for Authorities |
8. How urgent is the collection of dead
bodies?
Body collection is NOT the most urgent task after a natural disaster. The
priority is to care for survivors. There is no significant public health
risk associated with the presence of dead bodies. Nevertheless, bodies should
be collected as soon as possible and taken away for identification.
9. Should mass graves be used to quickly
dispose of the bodies?
NO. Rapid mass burial of victims is not justified on public health grounds.
Rushing to dispose of bodies without proper identification does more harm
than good. Mass and commingled burials (pit burials) traumatize families
and communities and may have serious legal consequences (i.e., inability
to recover and identify remains).
10. What should the authorities do with
the bodies?
Bodies should be collected and stored, either using refrigerated containers,
dry ice or temporary burial. Identification should be attempted for all
human remains. Photographs should be taken and descriptive information
recorded for each body. Remains should be stored (i.e. using refrigeration)
or buried temporarily to allow the possibility of an expert forensic investigation
in the future.
11. What is are the potential mental health
issues?
The overwhelming desire of relatives (from all religions and cultures)
is to identify their loved ones. All efforts to identify human remains
will help. Grieving and traditional individual burial are important factors
for the personal and communal recovery or healing process.
12. How should bodies of foreigners be
managed?
Families of visitors killed in a disaster are more likely to insist on
the identification and repatriation of the bodies. Proper identification
has serious economic and diplomatic implications. Bodies must be kept
for identification. Foreign consulates and embassies should be informed
and INTERPOL contacted for assistance. |
Information
for Responders |
13. I am a volunteer, how can I help?
To be helpful you should advocate for the proper recovery and management
of bodies and assist in recording necessary information. You might also
assist with the recovery and disposal of the dead, under direction and responsibility
of a recognised coordinating authority. However, you would first need to
be briefed, advised, equipped and supported for this difficult task.
14. I am a NGO, how can I help?
Providing support for families and collection of information in collaboration
with the coordinating authority will best help the surviving relatives.
You may also advocate for proper identification and treatment of the dead.
NGOs should not be asked to carry out the identification of dead bodies,
unless they are highly specialized for this task and work for and under
direct supervision and responsibility of a legal authority.
15. I am a health professional, how can
I help?
The survivors need you more than the dead do, but any professional help
in fighting the myth of epidemics caused by dead bodies which may lead
to their hasty disposal will be appreciated. Talk about this to your colleagues
and any members of the mass media who may be misinformed.
16. I am a journalist, how can I help?
Your help is most critical. If you hear comments or statements regarding
the need for mass burial or incineration of bodies to avoid epidemics,
challenge them. Consult WHO locally. Quote this and other publications.
Please do not jump on the band wagon of alarmist rumours. Be professional. |
