Can You Catch COVID-19 From A Dead Person? Man Dies After Open-Casket Funeral

While COVID-19 runs rampant across the U.S., individuals mourning the loss of loved ones need to be careful as people who died from the virus can still possibly transmit it.

Patriarch Irinej, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, died from the virus after attending the funeral of someone who also passed from COVID-19, CNN reported. It’s unclear if Irinej contracted the virus from the corpse, but studies show that it’s not impossible.

Scientists in Thailand revealed that patients can contract the virus after being exposed to individuals positive for COVID-19 even if they are deceased. The study was published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine after a Thai medical examiner died from COVID-19, CBS affiliate WUSA9 reports.

In previous days the examiner handled the body of someone who tested positive and researchers speculate that he contracted the virus through touching the other body.

However, the National Association of Medical Examiners says, "The risk of droplet transmission of COVID-19 after death is thought to be minimal."

“Medical Examiners and Coroners are familiar with handing bodies that have other viral diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis, diseases that likely pose more risk at autopsy than COVID-19. Funeral Homes routinely handle bodies with known infections of varying kinds as well. The CDC suggests no restrictions for burying those that die of COVID-19,” the statement added.

While a deceased person can spread COVID-19, it is extremely rare.

Irinej, 90, attended the open-casket funeral where few people including himself wore masks. In addition videos of the funeral show attendees kissing the hand and the forehead of the corpse.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed Irinej's death in an Instagram post and said, "I was honored to know you. People like you never depart."