In the wake of natural disasters and armed conflicts, when the loss of human lives is staggering, there often exists unwarranted fear and confusion surrounding the deceased, says International Committee of the Red Cross, and WHO.
Dead bodies resulting from natural disasters and conflicts usually don’t pose health risks. It’s crucial to maintain the dignity of these bodies and provide emotional closure to surviving families.
Hence, it becomes imperative for communities to be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for the safe and dignified handling of the deceased. This not only aids in survivors’ journey towards recovery but is also underscored as a crucial aspect by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In situations where many people perish due to natural disasters or armed conflicts, the presence of these bodies can distress affected communities. Some might rush to bury the deceased in mass graves, partly to cope with this distress and due to concerns about potential health threats. However, this hasty approach can have negative consequences for the population.
Mismanagement of the deceased can lead to long-lasting mental anguish for family members, as well as social and legal issues. Properly managed burials involve individually marked graves in designated areas, ensuring that the location of each body, along with associated information and personal belongings, is documented accurately, as outlined in guidance from the organizations, especially the ICRC/IFRC/WHO Manual for the Management of the Dead After Disasters. Cremations should not occur before confirming the identity of the deceased.
To support better management of the deceased, these organizations provide supplies and expertise to local authorities. For instance, in Libya, Red Cross and WHO teams are actively assisting authorities, communities, and the Libyan Red Crescent Society with guidance, materials, and training. The ICRC and WHO are also supplying body bags in Libya to ensure the dignified treatment of the deceased.
It’s essential to understand that bodies of individuals who have died from injuries sustained in natural disasters or armed conflicts typically do not pose health risks to communities. Victims of trauma, drowning, or fire do not usually carry disease-causing organisms with common precautions. The exceptions are when deaths occur due to infectious diseases like Ebola, Marburg diseases, cholera, or in areas where such diseases are endemic.
Regardless of the circumstances, dead bodies near or in water sources can raise health concerns as they may contaminate water supplies, potentially causing diarrheal illnesses. Bodies should not remain in contact with drinking water sources.
Pierre Guyomarch, head of ICRC’s forensics unit, emphasizes that the belief that dead bodies cause epidemics lacks evidence, cautioning against misinformation. Survivors of natural disasters are more likely to spread diseases than deceased bodies.
Authorities in communities affected by tragedy are urged not to rush mass burials or cremations. Dignified management of bodies is vital for families and communities, and in conflicts, it can contribute to a faster resolution. Dr. Kazunobu Kojima, Medical Officer for biosafety and biosecurity in WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, emphasizes the importance of providing time for identification and mourning, respecting cultural norms.
The ICRC, IFRC, and WHO want to remind authorities and communities of the following:
- Don’t hastily bury bodies in mass graves or conduct mass cremations; consider cultural and religious factors.
- Bodies from natural disasters or armed conflicts are generally not a source of disease.
- Unless the deceased had a highly infectious disease, the public’s risk is minimal. However, there is a risk of diarrhoea from drinking water contaminated by faecal material from dead bodies. Routine disinfection of drinking water is sufficient to prevent waterborne illnesses.
- Rapid, disrespectful mass burials or cremations make identifying and notifying families more challenging.
Dead bodies only pose an epidemic risk when deaths result from infectious diseases or in areas where such diseases are endemic. Lime powder doesn’t accelerate decomposition, and disinfecting these bodies isn’t necessary since they typically don’t carry infectious risks. After any contact with the deceased, hands should be washed with soap and water or cleaned with alcohol-based hand rub if there is no visible soiling.
The ICRC, IFRC, and WHO call on all parties in conflicts and responders in disasters to adhere to established principles for managing dead bodies for the greater good of society and offer further support as needed.