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Can a Home Funeral Be Conducted if the Cause of Death Was a Contagious Disease?
Whether a home funeral can be conducted if the cause of death was a contagious disease will depend largely on the disease involved. Although most diseases will not spread directly […]
Whether a home funeral can be conducted if the cause of death was a contagious disease will depend largely on the disease involved. Although most diseases will not spread directly from the body of the person who died, some diseases are an exception. These diseases include:
- Covid-19
- Ebola
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Gastroenteritis (including clostridium difficile)
- Septicemia and meningitis, particularly meningococcal infections
- Hepatitis B and C
- Group A Streptococcal infection
- Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)
Assuming that the person who died was hospitalized due to the severity of these diseases, the hospital would typically inform family and loved ones that a home funeral would not be appropriate due to safety concerns. However, it is also worth acknowledging that when someone dies due to a contagious or communicable disease, most states have defined regulations regarding the treatment and disposition of the body. Most states will require that the disease is reported to the attending physician or medical examiner at a minimum, but other states can require embalming if a contagious disease is the cause of death.
Wearing personal protective equipment and taking the necessary precautions when handling the body of the person who died is highly recommended, even in circumstances where a home funeral has been approved. Since regulations can vary by state and potential health risks should be evaluated by a medical professional, the best practice is to seek professional guidance before making any arrangements for a home funeral. Contacting a medical professional, the state public health department, or a local funeral director can provide more insight into the requirements and restrictions.
Sources
“Home Funerals are Safe”. National Home Funeral Alliance. https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/health-safety.html
“Laws by U.S. State”. National Home Funeral Alliance. https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/state-laws.html
