'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)