Funeral Guidelines for Cholera

Funeral Guidelines for Cholera

Funerals of people who have died of cholera or of any other cause in a community affected by cholera can contribute to the spread of the epidemic. A designated health worker should be present to supervise the funeral.

Handling the body within communities

If possible, physical contact with the corpse should be avoided but if you have to handle the body the following should be done:-

•Use gloves when handling the corpse

•Wash hands using soap/ash after touching the corpse

•Do not empty the intestines of the corpse

•Avoid putting hands in the mouth after touching the corpse

•Disinfect the dead person’s clothing and bedding by stirring in boiling water for 5 minutes or by drying them thoroughly in the sun after thorough washing.

Handling of the Body at Health Centres

•Disinfect corpse with 0.5% chlorine solutions

•Fill mouth and anus of the body with cotton wool soaked with chlorine solution

•Bandage the head so that the mouth remains shut.

•Wrap the body carefully and put in a body bag.

•Disinfect all surfaces that have been in contact with the body

The Funeral Procedure

•All corpse carriers should wear gloves

•Bury the dead as soon as is culturally acceptable

•Ensure that all material used i.e. gloves, masks are properly disposed.

•Ensure that there is no hand shaking

•All mourners should wash hands using safe water using drip to waste method. Use soap or ash

•The funeral should be held as close as possible to where the person dies.

Food Preparation

•Advise and remind mourners or persons preparing food for mourners to

-wash their hands before preparing food and frequently during food preparation

-Use clean water for cooking

-Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water

-Cook food thoroughly and avoid re-heating

-Serve food while hot encouraging mourners to use their own utensils

-Discard left-overs and sprinkle with granular chlorine.

After the Burial

•Do not distribute soiled clothing unless it has been disinfected.

•The entire homestead should be disinfected with the help of the health worker

•Hygiene education messages should be passed to all mourners.

•If a vehicle has been used to transport the corpse, it should be disinfected using granular chlorine.