AFRICA/ANGOLA - Medical operators in Uige collect cadavers to stop spreading Marburg epidemic which has already killed 257 people

Rome (Fides Service) - In Angola the Marburg epidemic has killed 257 patients of the 277 cases registered, about 48% of the dead were children and 526 are under observation in the province of Uige.
To stop further spreading of the epidemic the World Health Organisation took steps to collect the corpses and having been informed that there were bodes at Candombe Velho it asked Doctors without Frontiers, on the field since 27 March, to a collect them immediately because cadavers are very contagious.
To retrieve the bodies it takes 20 minutes to put on the necessary antibacterial suits. When they enter to areas of isolation the operators put on the first layer: a green nurse’s uniform, with gloves and rubber boots. They then put on the second layer, a sort of space suit which covers from head to foot, a mask, a second pair of gloves, protective goggles. And all this equipment must be worn despite the tropical heat. The team disinfects the house with chlorine and puts the body, clothes and personal belongings in a plastic bag and then disinfects the home again. The bag is then sealed and disinfected. (AP) (30/4/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:20; Parole:235)