UN warns Ebola burial practices

The movement of Ebola victims’ bodies between different parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo is increasing the risk of the virus spreading to new communities, the International Organization for Migration warned on Friday.

Families often seek to transport deceased relatives to their home areas for burial, creating serious containment challenges because Ebola remains highly infectious after death.

More than 2,000 cases and 700 deaths had been recorded in Congo and neighbouring Uganda as of July 14, the IOM said. Around two-thirds of the deaths occurred outside health facilities, making it harder for authorities to supervise burials and prevent further transmission.

The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
“If we don’t manage the bodies properly and engage communities, there will be further spread,” said Andrew Mbala of the IOM.

IOM surveillance teams intercepted 105 bodies being transported through entry points and crossings between health-control zones inside Congo. The bodies were referred for testing and investigation before being handed over to specialist teams for safe and dignified burials.

Mbala said one body transported between areas had contributed to infections in Tshopo province.
IOM Regional Director Frantz Celestin said the outbreak had grown by around 70 percent in two weeks, with more than 40 new cases being reported each day on average.

Containment efforts are also being hampered by resistance to safe-burial practices. Burial and body-management teams have faced opposition and, in some cases, attacks from local communities.

World Health Organization officials said around four in five identified contacts of infected people were being monitored. However, one in five remained untraced because insecurity and community distrust were preventing health workers from reaching them.