Use Safe Burial Practices is a health-care training guide focused on preventing the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) such as Ebola and Marburg during the handling, transport, and burial of deceased patients. The document explains that the bodies and bodily fluids of individuals who have died from VHF remain highly infectious after death, creating significant risks for healthcare workers, family members, and communities if traditional burial practices involve washing, touching, or preparing the body.
The guide outlines procedures for safely preparing bodies within healthcare facilities. It emphasizes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, body bags, and controlled handling procedures to minimize exposure. Healthcare workers are instructed to carefully explain the reasons for these precautions to family members and community leaders, recognizing the importance of cultural and religious practices while balancing public health concerns. The guide stresses that communication and community engagement are essential to maintaining trust during outbreaks.
A significant portion of the publication addresses the safe transportation of bodies and preparation of burial sites. Recommendations include minimizing handling, using secure containment methods, planning direct transportation routes, maintaining infection-control procedures throughout transport, and preparing burial sites that reduce the risk of disease transmission. The guide also discusses the importance of limiting exposure during funeral activities and ensuring that safety measures remain in place until burial is complete.
The final section covers decontamination procedures, including disinfecting vehicles and equipment used during transport. Detailed instructions are provided for cleaning surfaces using bleach solutions and allowing adequate contact time before rinsing. Overall, the document serves as a public-health reference designed to reduce disease transmission during outbreaks of highly infectious diseases while respecting community concerns and cultural practices whenever possible.
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