Gauteng health urges precautions for Hammanskraal cholera funerals
As some families in the cholera-hit Hammanskraal hold funerals for their deceased loved ones, Gauteng health department warned undertakers and grieving families to handle the mortal remains of those who passed from cholera with care.
21 people from the north of Gauteng have died since the outbreak of the disease, and the Free State province also lost one person following an outbreak.
Gauteng health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba warns that bodies of patients who died from cholera can still transit the cholera.
Mortuary workers have been urged to abide by existing rules and to wear personal protective equipment.
“Hand washing with soap is encouraged and water needs to be done after touching all bodies.
All bodies should be transported using a body bag. Human remains should be handled with regulation R363. Transport vehicles should be cleaned and disinfected,” says Modiba.
Those attending funerals are also encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly, including those preparing the food, to avoid mass infection.
Modiba urged family members to abandon some of their rituals.
“Family members should not touch or kiss the body of the deceased. Clothes or linen of the person who died of cholera should be washed in boiling hot water and soap and dried in direct sunlight to kill of the bacteria.
“Washing hands in the same bowl is discouraged. Hand washing should be practised at all times,” says Modiba.
ALSO READ
