'Corpses may pass on AIDS'

'Corpses may pass on AIDS'

JAKARTA (JP): An anti-AIDS activist said hospital staff who
touch the remains of people who have died from AIDS (Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome) will not automatically contract the
disease, but recommended extra care.

Dr. Samsuridjal Jauzi said it was possible for corpses to pass
on contagious diseases. Therefore, morgue workers and others who
deal with dead bodies must use gloves, masks, coats and boots to
protect themselves when they have to touch or wash corpses.

He recommended workers sterilize their hands and equipment
after washing a corpse and that those who have wounds on their
palms demonstrate extra care.

Samsuridjal addressed a workshop on AIDS organized by the
Yayasan Ilmu foundation in Tebet, South Jakarta, aimed at
lessening hospital staff's concern about dealing with AIDS
patient's remains.

"There is no reason to treat dead bodies differently.
Everybody just must take care to protect themselves from possible
infection," he told the 40 people attending the workshop.

Moslems are required to treat a corpse properly by, among
other things, washing and praying for it.

Muardi Chatib, lecturer of the Jakarta Islamic Institute said
Islam permitted people to use gloves, masks, mantles and other
instruments when washing corpses.

The Ministry of Health's latest records indicate that of all
the provinces, the capital has the highest incidence of AIDS with
118 sufferers. This is followed by the easternmost province of
Irian Jaya with 96 AIDS/HIV patients compared with 33 cases in
Bali.

In an effort to increase public awareness of the threat of
HIV/AIDS, the Pelita Ilmu foundation will hold an event at the
National Monument (Monas) Square AIDS Day on Dec.3.

The event will include a poster exhibition, music, and talks
on AIDS. (29)