The death of a septuagenarian in Kochi, suspected to have been caused by H1N1 infection, has prompted the health authorities to ramp up surveillance in the affected locality.
District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. R. Shahirshah has said that community awareness programmes on diseases such as H1N1, dengue, and malaria were being organised.
The 77-year-old woman is suspected to have died of H1N1 at a private hospital in the city on Wednesday.
“We have directed health officials to conduct awareness programmes in the region. Social distancing, observing cough etiquette, and wearing masks need to be practised. There is no cause for panic, but awareness and following precautionary measures are key,” said Dr. Shahirshah.
Intensive screening for fever cases will be launched once the test results confirming H1N1 infection are received, he added. Officials said the test results from the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha, were awaited.
According to a health official, the septuagenarian sought treatment at a tertiary care health centre for symptoms such as cough and fever on May 25. After the symptoms worsened, she was shifted to a private hospital on May 30 and eventually passed away on Wednesday.
“She was straightaway admitted to the ICU at the private hospital. In her case, there was no lapse in the medical care provided to her,” said the official. According to the official, the disease can be managed by taking medication and rest. “But the elderly, pregnant women, and people with comorbidities are at risk,” the official said.
“H1N1 is an airborne disease, and it could spread fast. We are taking all measures to prevent any kind of outbreak, and as many as fifty houses in the vicinity of the deceased’s residence are being monitored. Health surveillance will continue for 30 days,” said sources.
Following the suspected H1N1 death, guidelines have been issued to hospitals to conduct fever screening and take necessary precautionary measures, a health official said.
Published – June 04, 2026 09:26 pm IST
