The transport of Ebola victims’ bodies between different areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo risks further spreading the virus, according to the U.N. migration agency.
Outbreak Details
More than 2,000 Ebola cases and 700 deaths have been recorded in Congo and neighboring Uganda as of July 14. Around two-thirds of the deaths occurred outside clinics or hospitals.
The often fatal viral disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected people or animals, and causes symptoms that can include high fever, vomiting, and internal and external bleeding. This particular epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
Ebola remains highly infectious after death, making funeral practices a critical component of outbreak control. If the dead bodies are not handled safely, the virus can be carried into new areas.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
