COVID-19 cases in Andhra rise to 32; IMA expert urges heart patients to wear masks
Andhra Pradesh reported 32 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, prompting renewed attention on the need for precautions, especially among vulnerable groups. While the numbers remain low, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised people with heart conditions to wear masks in crowded places as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the National IMA COVID Task Force, emphasised that the current uptick does not signal a major wave that could overwhelm hospitals. He explained that the coronavirus tends to appear in cyclical patterns, and periodic rises have been observed every year since 2022, followed by a decline in a few months.
“The rise is not another wave of the kind that fills hospitals and strains the health system. Since the last Omicron-driven wave in 2022, we have not seen an incident where the healthcare system was overwhelmed,” he said. Dr. Jayadevan, who also convenes the IMA Kerala research cell, noted that the present rise, like other seasonal viral circulations, is likely to subside in a couple of months.
Genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, identified the RF.5 sub-lineage of Omicron in five samples from YSR Kadapa district. Dr. Jayadevan explained that all sub-variants after Omicron, including RF.5, are descendants of that strain. “These may have different names, but they share similar chemical manifestations, and none cause more severe disease than the others,” he said.
He provided a brief history: the Delta variant dominated in 2021, Omicron in 2022. Subsequent sub-variants include XBB (2022), BA.2.86 (2023), JN.1 (2024), NB.1.8.1 (2025), and currently XFG, BA.3.2, and RF.5. RF.5 is a modified form of JN.1. He stressed that while the sub-lineage may not cause life-threatening illness in healthy individuals, it can affect those with underlying conditions. “Even a fever puts a strain on the heart. This slight imbalance can create problems for people with heart diseases,” he said, advising them to wear masks in crowded places.
Dr. A. Vishnu Vardhan, Director of Medical Education, had earlier noted that a higher number of RF.5 cases had been reported in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries, but evidence so far indicated it is no more dangerous than other Omicron sub-lineages. Its symptoms include sore throat, cough, fever, headache, runny or blocked nose, fatigue, and body aches.
The state government is not taking chances. Health Secretary G. Veerapandian held a virtual meeting on Monday, July 21, with health officials to review preparedness. He directed them to ensure availability of testing kits, medicines, dedicated COVID beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency medical supplies. While there is no need for panic, people with even mild COVID-like symptoms have been advised to visit their nearest government hospital promptly.
