No active COVID clusters in AP, cases are only sporadic, says govt.

People wear masks amid surge in COVID-19 cases near the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada. | Photo credit: KVS Giri

The profile of COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh reflects sporadic, low-level spread of the mild Omicron RF.5 variant and the public health infrastructure is fully equipped to handle any contingencies, according to the state government.

Between June 26, when the first case was reported, and July 27, 49 cases were reported. There were reportedly zero cases on Sunday and Monday. Of these, 32 are active cases, with eight people being treated in hospital and the remaining 24 in home isolation.

In its analysis of the state’s COVID situation on Monday, the health department pointed out that epidemiological surveillance shows a low rate of transmission, with cases occurring sporadically in isolated pockets rather than through localized or rapid community outbreaks. Contact tracing shows no active clustering of the community and there is no immediate cause for concern, he said.

While the National Institute of Virology in Pune has confirmed the Omicron RF.5 sub-variant from the initial samples, the results of the reports sent by the state on July 14, 18 and 20 are awaited. RF.5 causes common upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches. It shows no signs of increased lethality or lung damage in otherwise healthy individuals, according to the Ministry of Health.

All four people aged between 16 and 66 who died had “severe” pre-existing conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, septicemia, acute respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, according to the report. According to the report, the 16-year-old girl who died in Kakinada had severe hemoglobinopathy, a history of splenectomy and gross anaemia.

In its analysis report, the Ministry of Health details that micro-control zones have been established around the homes of people who have tested positive. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) traced primary and secondary contacts and kept patients in home isolation under daily telephone surveillance.

ANMs and ASHAs also conduct house-to-house monitoring of fever for early detection of potential influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).

Published – 27 Jul 2026 21:06 IST