Management of the dead in Tacloban City after Typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

Introduction:The post-disaster management of the dead involves a series of steps including on-site identification, transfer, storage and examination of bodies and delivery to families for burial. Two weeks after Typhoon Haiyan, a team from the Department of Health (DOH) was tasked with identifying the dead in Tacloban City. Methods:A suitable site for the collection of bodies was identified and an algorithm and standard data collection form developed. The retrieval of bodies was coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection personnel. Upon receipt of a body, two team members conducted a systematic external examination. Findings were documented, photos were taken and each body was assigned a unique number. Results:The DOH team examined 128 bodies. Of these, the majority (86%) were complete bodies; 95% were decomposed and two were skeletonized. Two thirds (66%) were adults, sex was identifiable for 92%, and the male to female ratio was 1:1.4. The majority of adults were females. Only 11% were presumptively identified from documents in clothing; 89% remained unidentified. Conclusion:From the limited setting of this study, we describe the process of rapid body processing post-Haiyan. We prioritized rapid processing over more technically complicated means of identification, including DNA testing. Our protocol showed a dignified and efficient way of identifying corpses. As local and regional laboratory capacity increases in the Philippines, the collection of DNA specimens may become part of the identification algorithm.

Autopsy Identification of Viable Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in the Lungs of a Markedly Decomposed Body

“…An exception is HIV, which has been found 6 days postmortem." This guideline has served as the basis for performing autopsies around the world during times of disaster, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (15)(16)(17). However, this case revealed that MTB could survive in a dead body as a living organism for a significantly longer period than has been reported.…”

“…Regarding the risk of infection when handling dead bodies recovered after a disaster, the Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters 2006 guideline indicates that, “Most infectious organisms do not survive beyond 48 h in a dead body. An exception is HIV, which has been found 6 days postmortem.” This guideline has served as the basis for performing autopsies around the world during times of disaster, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (15–17). However, this case revealed that MTB could survive in a dead body as a living organism for a significantly longer period than has been reported.…”

Health Risks in Natural Disasters: Four Case Studies in the Philippines

“…Interviews, discussion points, disaggregated World Health Organization records, and earlier literature were used to compile the data. (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013;McCall, 2014;Ballera et al, 2015;Czaicki et al, 2015;Curato, 2018).…”

DNA analysis in identifying mass disaster victims

“…However, the authors suggested that DNA testing should be added in situations where there is availability of sophisticated DNA laboratories and when there is a need to identify small amounts of dead bodies. 16 Herald et al 2013, identified four victims of Boeing 737-800 air crash disaster that occurred in Mangalore on 22 May 2010. The first victim was identified through ornaments and clothes.…”