Why burying corpses near rivers can trigger disease outbreak – Experts
Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The age-long practice of burying people who drown near river banks has generated heated debates and sparked discussions, prompting medical experts to flay the action as dangerous and capable of causing disease outbreaks.
According to them, such acts can pose significant risks to public health and the environment if sustained.
While noting that it is a cultural tradition in many communities to bury people who drowned or were killed at sea or any water by the riverside, the experts emphasised that there are hidden dangers associated with this age-old practice.
Days back, controversies raged over the interment of a popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, who died during a boat capsized.
Recall that five people, including Pope Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, and Joseph Anointing, died when their boat carrying 12 crew members capsized while traversing the River Niger, last Wednesday.
There were rumours that the Anambra community where the boat incident happened insisted that the late Nollywood star and other victims must be buried at the bank of the massive river due to traditional demands.
Experts, however, said burying bodies near rivers can contaminate the water sources, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians stressed that these burials can result in soil erosion, pollution, and disruption of aquatic life.
A Consultant Public Health Physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, stated that burying a body near a river is hazardous as the water level near riverbanks is high.
Prof Tanimola Akande
Professor Tanimola Akande
He explained that the decomposing body can contaminate water sources, adding that when the body decomposes, it releases germs into the soil and water that can pollute water sources.
Speaking on the guidelines on how such bodies should be buried, the professor of public health added, “The procedures vary from country to country and even based on cultural and religious practices. However, bodies must be buried at least 100 feet from rivers or water sources.
“One of the conditions is to ensure minimum distance from rivers and also bear in mind the water level table in that area. Also, the use of suitable caskets that are not biodegradable should be important. Local environmental authorities can be consulted to give further advice.
“Environmentally friendly and safe methods of burial vary depending on location, like the topography, the culture of the people, and guidelines in the location.
“It is important to consider not burying close to water sources and places with high water table levels. Burying around areas susceptible to erosion should be avoided.”
The physician noted that there were reported cases of water contamination resulting from burials close to water sources and from mass burials that were not dug deep enough.
“Decomposition of the bodies can contaminate the soil and water, particularly where there are burials during epidemics. During the COVID-19 epidemic, environmental health officials ensured safe body burials,” he added.
On his part, an environmentalist at the Ogun State Health Ministry, Dr Seun Oguntade, warned against the practice of burying dead bodies beside rivers, even if local culture dictates that it is the proper way to honour the deceased.
“Burying bodies beside rivers can contaminate the water with harmful bacteria and pathogens, leading to an increased risk of waterborne diseases and environmental degradation.
“While it is important to respect cultural traditions and beliefs, it can’t come at the expense of public health and environmental safety. There are alternative ways to honour the deceased that don’t involve risking the health of the living or damaging water sources,” he stated.
He recommended that individuals who pass away near rivers should be buried in cemeteries or other designated burial grounds where proper measures can be taken to prevent contamination and disease transmission.
To further underscore the dangers of river burials, Oguntade cited examples of historical outbreaks of waterborne diseases linked to poor sanitation and improper disposal of human waste.
He stated, “Throughout history, we have seen how improper waste management has led to devastating epidemics and environmental disasters. Burying bodies beside rivers increases the risk of contamination with pathogens, leading to serious health consequences for both humans and wildlife.
“The dangers of burying a body near a river can’t be overstated. Not only does it pose a significant health risk to nearby communities, but it can also lead to the degradation of the river ecosystem.
“To minimize the risks, all bodies should be buried at a distance of at least 100 meters from a riverbank. This provides an appropriate buffer zone to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of both the living and the environment.”
The physician, however, emphasised the importance of educating communities about the risks of river burials and providing alternative burial options that are both culturally sensitive and environmentally sound.
“We must work together to raise awareness about the dangers of river burials and provide viable alternatives that respect both cultural traditions and the safety of our communities,” he added.
