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HealthAndhra Pradesh detects Omicron RF.5 sublineage; COVID-19 cases rise to 19 in three weeks
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The Andhra Pradesh government announced that genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has identified the Omicron RF.5 sublineage in five samples from YSR Kadapa district. This marks the first detection of this subvariant in the state. As of July 19, 2026, a total of 19 COVID-19 cases have been reported over three weeks, with three new cases on Sunday including one in Visakhapatnam admitted to King George Hospital. Director of Medical Education A. Vishnu Vardhan stated that RF.5 does not appear more dangerous than other Omicron sublineages, citing evidence from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants: sore throat, cough, fever, headache, runny nose, fatigue, and body aches. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav confirmed that hospitals are prepared with stocked testing kits and isolation wards, though cases remain sporadic.
Source report
Genome sequencing at NIV Pune of five samples from YSR Kadapa district found the sublineage. Director of Medical Education A. Vishnu Vardhan said RF.5 does not appear more dangerous than other Omicron sublineages, and 19 cases have been reported in the State in three weeks.
Updated - July 29, 2026 10:36 am IST | VIJAYAWADA
The Hindu Bureau
Nearly three weeks after the first COVID-19 case was reported in Andhra Pradesh, the State government has announced that genome sequencing has identified the Omicron RF.5 sublineage in samples tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
According to an official release issued on Saturday (July 18, 2026) night, Omicron RF.5 is a sublineage of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and is one of several Omicron sublineages identified worldwide. The State Health Department had sent five samples collected from patients in YSR Kadapa district to the NIV for genome sequencing.
Following receipt of the report, Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the State with senior health officials.
Key Observations
- Global context: Director of Medical Education A. Vishnu Vardhan noted that a higher number of RF.5 cases had been reported in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries.
- Severity: Based on available scientific evidence, the variant does not appear to be more dangerous than other Omicron sublineages, Dr. Vishnu Vardhan said.
- Symptoms: Symptoms associated with RF.5 are similar to those seen with other Omicron subvariants, including:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny or blocked nose
- Fatigue
- Body aches
State Preparedness
Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav said COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh remain sporadic, and hospitals are fully equipped to respond if required. He confirmed that testing kits have been stocked and isolation wards established in all teaching hospitals.
Case Breakdown
The State has reported 19 COVID-19 cases between June 26 and July 19, including three cases reported on Sunday:
- Guntur district: One case
- Visakhapatnam district: One case — the patient has been admitted to King George Hospital and is stated to be stable
- Third case: A patient who tested positive in a Rapid Antigen Test; the RT-PCR result is awaited
- SPSR Nellore district: A toddler tested positive for COVID-19 at a hospital in Puducherry
Published - July 19, 2026 09:37 pm IST
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Regional
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Omicron RF.5 Sublineage Detected in Andhra Pradesh; COVID-19 Cases Rise to 19