Discussions
Forum / Dead bodies do NOT cause disease epidemics
I think the Aftershock movie was good in getting the message out about being prepared. However, burying the disaster victims in a mass grave sent the wrong message. Mass graves should NEVER be used for burying disaster victims.
You can find more information in this Scienceblogs article: http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/2008/05/once_again_dead_bodies_dont_ca.php
And from the Pan American Health Organisation website: http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PED/ManejoCadaveres.htm
Alex - October 9, 2008 at 6:05 pm -
From the Producers: As part of our research for Aftershock we spoke to a number of people experienced in dealing with the realities of life after a disaster. While they agreed that a mass grave scenario isn’t in the ‘official plan’ they felt that this scenario wasn’t unfeasible. There are obviously different points of view and in the programme we chose to pursue the one that would generate exactly this sort of discussion! The Ministry of Health Resonse to the question (posted on ‘Ask an Expert’ page) is entirely correct in terms of the official position – however what actually happens on the ground after a major disaster may be different. The needs of the living will outweigh the needs of the dead.