Vijayawada: The Omicron RF.5 sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in four Covid-19 samples collected from Kadapa district and sent for genome sequencing to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the strain is more severe than other Omicron lineages.According to the state’s medical and health department authorities, the sub-variant has been reported in Singapore and a few other Southeast Asian countries too. Director of medical education (DME) Dr Vishnuvardhan said the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring RF.5 as part of its routine genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Dr Vishnuvardhan explained that RF.5 is a naturally evolved sub-lineage of the JN.1 variant and not a recombinant strain. He said its symptoms remain similar to those associated with other Omicron sub-variants, including sore throat, cough, fever, headache, runny or blocked nose, fatigue and body aches.Health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav said the Covid-19 cases in AP continue to be sporadic and that the govt has taken all precautionary measures, such as readying dedicated wards in teaching hospitals and stocking up on testing kits and other essential equipment to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.Reviewing the Covid situation with senior medical and health department officials, Yadav said there was no need to panic, stressing that the state remains fully prepared to deal with any rise in infections. According to health department statistics, AP has reported 16 Covid-19 cases so far this month, of which 12 were detected till July 16. Officials reiterated that while the public should remain alert and follow basic precautions, there is no cause for concern currently.
