Plague Transmission from Corpses and Carcasses

Knowing whether human corpses can transmit plague will inform policies for handling the bodies of those who have died disease. We analyzed literature to evaluate risk transmission Yersinia pestis, causative agent plague, from and animal carcasses. Because we could not find direct evidence transmission, described a pathway assessed potential at each step. examined 3 sources infection: body fluids living patients, infected carcasses, corpses. concluded that pneumonic be transmitted by intensive corpse or carcass, presumably through inhalation respiratory droplets, bubonic blood-to-blood contact with carcass. These findings should precautions taken persons animals plague.