Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) with special reference to deaths due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19)

Abstract

In communicable diseases pandemic, death certificates are vital for public health surveillance and deaths. A uniform protocol is  expected for the same as inconsistent death certification protocol may lead to misleading death-related statistics. Deaths due to  COVID-19 may occur in varying circumstances and even in patients without prodromal symptoms. Similarly, deaths in suspected  COVID-19 patients may be misdiagnosed or certified. An accurate certification of deaths due to COVID–19 infections is vital as it is  critical for ongoing public health surveillance and response. Similarly, e-Mortality (e-Mor) software, hosted by The National Centre  for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) should be used as it records details of the death of all institution and non-institution based deaths with a guide to prevent errors in the cause of death. The article is intended to guide health professionals on proper cause of-death certification for cases where confirmed or suspected COVID–19 infection resulted in death.