H1N1 claims life: 77-year-old Kochi homemaker dies after delayed diagnosis

KOCHI: An elderly homemaker, who was undergoing treatment for H1N1 influenza, passed away at a private hospital in Ernakulam on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Lalithambika, 77, wife of the late Janardhanan Nair, residing at Edappally.

Lalithambika, who worked as a collection agent for the Post Office Savings Bank scheme, had initially sought medical attention at a private hospital a week ago after contracting a fever. Although doctors recommended a blood test at the time, she reportedly returned home without undergoing the evaluation. As her condition deteriorated significantly over the following days, she was admitted to another private hospital, where diagnostic tests confirmed the H1N1 infection.

Following the health department's strict medical protocols, the cremation was held at the Edappally public cemetery in the evening. She is survived by her children, Jalesh and Rajesh, and daughters-in-law, Ramya and Anita.