Home / Health / Ebola Burial Teams Battle Hostility and Fatigue
Ebola Burial Teams Battle Hostility and Fatigue
7 Sep
Summary
- Burial teams face increasing workload and hostile communities.
- Health workers exclusively handle bodies due to Ebola's contagious nature.
- Rebel violence and displacement fuel the rapidly spreading outbreak.
Burial teams in Ituri, Congo, are performing the difficult task of safely burying Ebola victims amidst history's deadliest outbreak. These front-line workers, paid $20 a day, are nearing their limits due to escalating workloads and community resistance. The work is dangerous as bodies of victims can still spread the virus.
Health workers exclusively handle Ebola victims' bodies because the virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. This practice conflicts with traditional African customs, leading to misunderstandings and attacks on burial teams by grieving families. The outbreak's spread is further complicated by ongoing rebel conflict in eastern Congo, displacement, and population movements.
Despite challenges, including a lack of a proven vaccine for the specific virus, efforts are underway to vaccinate front-line workers. However, the true scale of the crisis may be three times greater than official figures suggest. Trauma experts emphasize that the outbreak's impact extends beyond case counts, requiring a holistic response that includes social support for families and workers.
