Two COVID-19 cases and three deaths linked to co-morbidities have surfaced in Andhra Pradesh, according to Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Speaking to Parliament on Tuesday, Nadda confirmed that genomic sequencing by the National Institute of Virology in Pune identified the variant in samples from Kadapa district, though the World Health Organization has not classified it as a variant of concern.
Andhra Pradesh COVID-19 Cases and RF.5 Sub-Lineage Details
The Andhra Pradesh government reported a total of 12 COVID-19 cases between June 24 and July 26, 2026, according to data presented by Union Health Minister J P Nadda in the Rajya Sabha. Out of these infections, two cases emerged specifically over the past month in the state. Testing of positive samples from Kadapa district by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, revealed the predominance of the RF.5 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Three deaths were recorded in the YSR Kadapa district during this timeframe. Nadda noted that all three deceased patients suffered from underlying health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic alcoholism.
Did you know? The World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified the RF.5 Omicron sub-lineage as a Variant of Concern (VOC), Variant of Interest (VOI), or Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), according to statements made in Parliament.
National Surveillance and Health Ministry Response
To track respiratory pathogens, the Union Health Ministry continuously monitors Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI)—including COVID-19—through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme-Integrated Health Information Platform (IDSP-IHIP), as outlined by Nadda. When disease trends spike, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) deploy to investigate the situation.
Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research operates a network of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) to conduct laboratory-based surveillance. These labs track confirmed COVID-19 cases alongside other major respiratory infections.
Preparedness Guidelines for States and Union Territories
Because health functions primarily as a state subject, the central government provides technical and financial backing to states and Union territories to bolster their healthcare systems against epidemic-prone communicable diseases. In response to the ongoing influenza season, federal authorities issued specific advisories to all states and UTs.
Officials have been instructed to ramp up ILI and SARI surveillance, secure adequate diagnostic supplies, ensure personal protective equipment inventories remain full, and execute hospital surge planning. Regular review meetings are also recommended to sharpen the readiness of clinical and laboratory personnel.
Pro Tip: Healthcare facilities during peak influenza seasons should prioritize routine reviews of hospital surge capacity and ensure testing kits remain readily available for early diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RF.5 sub-lineage?
RF.5 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 detected in COVID-19 positive samples from Andhra Pradesh’s Kadapa district.
Has the WHO classified the RF.5 variant as dangerous?
No. According to Union Health Minister J P Nadda, the WHO has not classified the RF.5 sub-lineage as a Variant of Concern, Variant of Interest, or Variant Under Monitoring.
What underlying conditions were present in the reported deaths?
The three patients who died in YSR Kadapa district all had pre-existing co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic alcoholism.
How is the central government helping states manage respiratory illnesses?
The Centre provides technical and financial support to states and Union territories while monitoring disease trends via the IDSP-IHIP and supporting laboratory surveillance through the ICMR’s VRDL network.
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