Can the deceased be a source of coronavirus infection?
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The transmission of the coronavirus occurs primarily by droplets, but surfaces contaminated with the pathogen may also be the source of infection. But what about the deceased with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infection? The risk of infection cannot be ruled out in the event of contact with the body of the deceased, as well as with its immediate surroundings.

Contact with a person who died of COVID-19 and the risk of infection

According to information presented on March 24 by the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus infection through contact with the body of a person who died from COVID-19. However, is there such a risk? The president of the Zielona Góra Agreement Federation, dr Jacek Krajewski, commented on this subject for Medexpress:

You can catch the coronavirus from a deceased person. The virus can survive for some time in the body’s secretions and in the environment. If proper precautions are not taken, there is a risk of contact with infectious material in the patient’s home. As a result, we can become infected with the virus.

Dr. Krajewski also points out that people who have had contact with the deceased as a result of COVID-19 should be quarantined.

Handling the body of someone who died from COVID-19

There is a risk of transmission of the coronavirus from the body of a person who has died of COVID-19 or is suspected of being infected, so WHO has provided a guidance document on how to deal with the corpse. Special precautions apply to people who have direct contact with the body, including employees of healthcare institutions, morgues, funeral homes, medical services, religious institutions and families.

WHO recommendations may change as new medical evidence becomes available.

The most important recommendations are related to transport and preparation of the body for funeral. Therefore, they concern the services entrusted with these tasks. They mainly include the use of appropriate protective measures (gloves or masks), as well as the appropriate disinfection of hands and places where the body was located.

Check: 10 activities for which you need to wear disposable gloves

Tips for correct handling during contact with the body of a person who died of COVID-19 disease or is suspected of itworth knowing are:

  1. when saying goodbye to the deceased, you should not touch or kiss the body of the deceased;
  2. after saying goodbye to the deceased, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water;
  3. people who come into contact with the body (e.g. in the event of death at home) must use gloves;
  4. people over 60 years of age and with reduced immunity should not have direct contact with the body of the deceased.

Detailed recommendations on the handling of the deceased’s body in the context of COVID-19 are available in a document published by the WHO.

WHO emphasizes that in most cases the bodies of the deceased are not a source of infection, exceptions include diseases such as cholera and hemorrhagic fever (Ebola, Marburg’s disease). An infectious problem may also appear in the case of improper handling of the corpse of the deceased during an autopsy. pandemic flu. COVID-19 is, however, a new disease and due to the ongoing epidemic, it is imperative to take appropriate precautions.

Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.

Read also:

  1. A funeral in times of epidemics – how to organize it, what are the regulations?
  2. Can the coronavirus be passed from mother to child?
  3.  Coronavirus and COVID-19 – the most important questions and answers

https://www.medexpress.pl/czy-od-osoby-zmarlej-mozna-zarazic-sie-koronawirusem/77079

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331538/WHO-COVID-19-lPC_DBMgmt-2020.1-eng.pdf

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