Information for workers 1. Is there a risk for people handling dead bodies?
People handling bodies (rescue workers, mortuary staff, etc.) do run a slight risk from tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV and diarrhoeal diseases. However, these diseases do not last more than two days in a dead body (except for HIV, which may survive up to six days). Workers can reduce the risks by wearing rubber boots and gloves and practicing basic hygiene (e.g. washing their hands).
