In the midst of this, Kampaku Michitaka was also struck down with an illness, but the illness was not because of the plague but because of heavy everyday drinking, and Michitaka begged the Emperor to allow Korechika to succeed him as Kanpaku, but this was not permitted, and only Nairan (Authority to review documents presented to Emperor) during his illness was allowed.
その最中に関白・道隆も病に倒れるが、これは疫病ではなく普段の大酒が原因で道隆は天皇に後継の関白として伊周を請うがこれは許されず、病中の内覧のみが許された。