Death by Ebola is sudden and always tragic.  Family members are left in shock.  They are unprepared for what happens next.

The usual mourning practice includes having the body returned home for final farewells.  As in most cultures, touching the body of a loved one while saying last goodbyes is common.  Following a period of viewing, family members decide where the burial should take place and family members arrange for the grave digging and burial ceremony.

None of that happens when death is caused by Ebola.  A dead body infected by Ebola remains a highly contagious body.  As a result, family is kept away from the body and has no chance to personally say goodbye up close.  Armed soldiers and gloved or gowned medical personal carry the body to a site away from others and not chosen by family. Even at the grave site, family members are kept back.

Understandably, this is difficult for the grieving family.  As a result, multiple burial teams have come under attack by rock throwing crowds and the need for police and armed escorts has increased.

Carrying coffin with gloves

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