Why burials require special care during a BVC outbreak

The body of a person who has died from BVD remains highly infectious — often MORE infectious than when they were alive. Funeral and mourning practices that involve direct contact with the body are one of the most significant ways BVD spreads within families and communities.

This means:

• Washing, kissing, or touching the body without protection 🧤 CAN transmit BVD to family members.
• Traditional mourning practices involving body contact MUST be modified during an active outbreak.
• This is not disrespect — it is protection for the family 🛡️🛡️🛡️.

Step 1: Call or visit nearest health facility IMMEDIATELY — before anyone touches the body.

• 📞 Alert the local health authorities to any death with BVD-like symptoms.

Step 2: Keep others away from the body until the burial team arrives.

• Ask family members and mourners to step back from the body.
• Explain calmly: the burial team is coming to help the family and protect everyone 🛡️.
  

Step 3: DO NOT wash, kiss, or touch the body.

• Even if the person did not have a confirmed BVD diagnosis — if they had symptoms, treat the body as potentially infectious.
  

Step 4: Speak with the burial team about cultural and religious needs BEFORE they begin.

• Many elements of a dignified, respectful burial can still be observed 📖.
• The burial team will work with the family 🤝— not against them.
• Ask: what matters most to your family? The burial team will accommodate as much as safely possible.
  

Step 5: Allow the burial team to take a swab from the deceased for testing.

• If BVD is confirmed, the health team will contact the family to provide further support and protect other household members.

Click NEXT to learn about safe mourning at gathering sites.