The recent Ebola outbreak plaguing West Africa has caused concern across the world as international health organizations respond to the crisis. While the disease is mainly affecting African nations, international travelers are also at risk for contracting the disease. It was reported this week that a patient at a Dallas hospital is being treated for an Ebola infection based on his symptoms and travel history. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital is taking extra precautions and following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the potentially deadly virus doesn’t spread.

This week, the General Assembly of the United Nations was held to discuss the Ebola epidemic and other current matters of international concern. In tandem with the event, the New York Times has endeavored to answer readers’ questions pertaining to the UN General Assembly, one of which is whether cremating deceased bodies affected by Ebola would help stop the spread of the disease. The NYT responded thusly:

“Burial, especially in a body bag or coffin, is just as effective at ending transmission as cremation. The danger with Ebola is in handling the corpse of a person who died recently. Once it is buried, the danger is largely over, unless someone digs it up quickly. The virus attacks living cells and does not go on reproducing indefinitely. It has never been shown to get into drinking water.”

The NYT went on to note the low rate of cremation in African countries: about 3 to 7 percent, according to the Cremation Society of Great Britain. The figure is attributed to Africa’s preference of burial passed down from colonial and missionary practices. In America, where the cremation rate is over 40 percent and growing, cremation is seen as a personal choice that reflects a changing attitude based on financial concerns, migration patterns, and concern for the environment.

Work with a Reputable Cremation Provider

When you choose cremation over burial, it’s imperative to work with a cremation provider that ensures the deceased is handled with the highest standards for health, safety, and quality of care. When preparing the deceased for cremation, a trustworthy cremation provider follows a defined process that covers important details, such as the removal of metals and other noncombustible items from the deceased or the casket.

Smart Cremation staff members follow a rigid protocol when arranging a cremation service so that family members are provided with peace of mind. Our Smart Assurance Identification System ensures that an individual is monitored throughout the cremation process for security and safety and that the correct remains are returned to family members so they can memorialize a loved one in the manner they choose.