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Health
Omicron RF.5 Variant Identified in 16 Andhra COVID-19 Cases
✍️ NDTV
🗓 19 Jul 2026, 02:56 AM
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Health officials in Andhra Pradesh have confirmed 16 COVID-19 cases carrying the Omicron RF.5 sub‑variant, the latest strain identified in India.
The Andhra Pradesh health department announced that 16 confirmed COVID-19 patients have tested positive for the Omicron RF.5 sub‑variant, a new mutation of the Omicron strain. The cases were identified through genomic sequencing carried out at the state’s central virology laboratory.
Health authorities emphasized that the RF.5 sub‑variant is closely related to other Omicron lineages and is not yet associated with increased severity or vaccine resistance. They urged the public to continue following preventive measures and to get vaccinated or boosted if eligible.
The state’s COVID‑19 surveillance team has increased testing in the affected districts to monitor the spread of the new variant. No large‑scale outbreak has been reported, and the number of cases remains contained.
Officials will provide updates as more data become available, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been notified to track the variant’s prevalence across the country.
Health authorities emphasized that the RF.5 sub‑variant is closely related to other Omicron lineages and is not yet associated with increased severity or vaccine resistance. They urged the public to continue following preventive measures and to get vaccinated or boosted if eligible.
The state’s COVID‑19 surveillance team has increased testing in the affected districts to monitor the spread of the new variant. No large‑scale outbreak has been reported, and the number of cases remains contained.
Officials will provide updates as more data become available, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been notified to track the variant’s prevalence across the country.