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Health
New Omicron RF.5 Variant Found in Andhra Pradesh – What It Means
✍️ News18
🗓 21 Jul 2026, 08:33 PM
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Health officials in Andhra Pradesh have identified the Omicron RF.5 sub‑variant of COVID‑19 in a recent sample, raising concerns about its transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness.
Health authorities in Andhra Pradesh announced the detection of the Omicron RF.5 sub‑variant in a sample collected from a COVID‑19 patient.
The finding was confirmed by the state’s virology laboratory after sequencing the virus’s genome.
Experts warn that RF.5 may carry mutations that could affect how easily the virus spreads and how well existing vaccines protect against it.
The state health department has urged residents to continue wearing masks, maintain social distancing, and get vaccinated or boosted as per national guidelines.
The finding was confirmed by the state’s virology laboratory after sequencing the virus’s genome.
Experts warn that RF.5 may carry mutations that could affect how easily the virus spreads and how well existing vaccines protect against it.
The state health department has urged residents to continue wearing masks, maintain social distancing, and get vaccinated or boosted as per national guidelines.