Does a person who dies from cholera, diphtheria, TB, plague, or similar diseases need to be embalmed to transport in/out of state?

A person who dies from cholera, diphtheria, tuberculosis (TB), plague, or other similar infectious diseases typically requires embalming prior to being transported out of state. This is primarily due to public health concerns associated with these highly contagious diseases. Embalming helps to disinfect the body and mitigate the risk of transmitting these pathogens, thus ensuring the safety of those handling the remains and the public at large. Many states have specific regulations that mandate embalming or other forms of body preservation for individuals who have died from infectious diseases to prevent any potential health hazards during transportation.

While some might consider alternative methods of handling the remains, such as placing the body in a metal container or solely relying on refrigeration, these do not provide the same level of safety and public health assurance as embalming does. Therefore, adherence to the requirement of embalming under these circumstances is crucial.