GENEVA
A safe and dignified burial of Ebola victims could help reduce transmissions of the virus, the World Health Organization said Friday.
"At least 20 percent of the new infections occur during burials of Ebola deceased patients," said Pierre Formenty, a top Ebola expert.
Formenty said the transmissions occurred mainly when families touched and washed the deceased as part of their burial rituals without realizing that the body still contained the virus.
"Introducing components such as inviting the family to be involved in digging the grave and offering options for dry ablution and shrouding will make a significant difference in curbing Ebola transmission," he said.
The deadly virus has killed more than 4,000 people in West Africa, according to the organization.
The number of Ebola cases has seen a slowdown in Liberia, but it is still rising in Sierra Leone and is considered stable in Guinea, the WHO says.
www.aa.com.tr/en
