COVID-19 cases rise

A 13-year-old girl from Rolapadu village in Tiruvuru mandal of NTR district, who has been undergoing dialysis for a kidney ailment at the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada, tested positive 

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, with health authorities confirming two fresh infections in Nellore and NTR districts even as genome sequencing has identified the Omicron RF.5 sub-lineage in samples sent for testing. The state government, however, has stressed that there is no cause for alarm, saying the new variant has not shown evidence of causing more severe disease than other Omicron strains.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav reviewed the latest COVID-19 situation with senior officials after receiving genome sequencing results from the National Institute of Virology laboratory in Pune. Four positive samples from Kadapa district were sequenced, all of which were identified as the Omicron RF.5 variant.

The minister said the Health Department has already strengthened surveillance and is fully prepared to respond to any increase in infections. Dedicated COVID wards are being readied in government teaching hospitals, while testing kits, medicines and other essential infrastructure are being kept on standby.

The latest cases involve two children who were already undergoing treatment for other medical conditions. A three-year-old boy from Nidiguntapalem in Nellore district, who is receiving cancer treatment in Puducherry, tested positive for COVID-19. His family members and close contacts, however, tested negative.

In another case, a 13-year-old girl from Rolapadu village in Tiruvuru mandal of NTR district, who has been undergoing dialysis for a kidney ailment at the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada, tested positive after developing fever and other symptoms. She has been shifted to an isolation ward, while her family members have also tested negative.

According to Health Department data, Andhra Pradesh reported 12 COVID-19 cases and four deaths between June 26 and July 16. Kadapa district accounted for eight cases, followed by Guntur with two, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada reported one case each. Officials said all four fatalities involved patients with serious underlying illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease.

Medical experts said the RF.5 variant is a naturally evolved Omicron sub-lineage derived from the JN.1 lineage and is currently under routine genomic surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO). Cases of the variant have been reported in Singapore and several Southeast Asian countries. Director of Medical Education Dr. Vishnuvardhan clarified that there is no scientific evidence at present to suggest that RF.5 is more dangerous than other Omicron variants.

The symptoms remain largely similar and include fever, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, body aches, and a runny or blocked nose. The Health Department has advised people, particularly senior citizens and individuals with chronic illnesses, to remain cautious, maintain good hygiene, and seek medical attention if they develop persistent respiratory symptoms. Officials reiterated that while the current spread remains sporadic and under control, continuous surveillance and public vigilance are essential to prevent further transmission.