Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Which of the following six diseases require embalming if transported?

1. Influenza

2. Scarlet Fever

3. Measles

4. Tuberculosis

The correct answer is: Scarlet Fever

In the context of mortuary science, the requirement for embalming when transporting a body is influenced by the potential for disease transmission and the biological hazards presented by certain infections. Scarlet fever, which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus), is a highly contagious diseases marked by a distinct rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in untreated cases. Embalming serves as an important preventive measure to inhibit the spread of infectious agents. In cases like scarlet fever, embalming is necessary to ensure that the body is treated to minimize any risk of contagion to those handling the remains, as well as to delay decomposition and control odor, thereby allowing for safe transport. In contrast, while the other listed diseases can have their own implications, they do not generally carry the same level of infectious risk that mandates embalming practices for transportation. For instance, while tuberculosis is contagious, the body does not always require embalming specifically for transport due to its mode of transmission being primarily airborne rather than through contact with the body itself.