By: The Trek News Desk
Andhra Pradesh has recorded 12 new COVID-19 infections over the past few weeks, while four patients have died during the same period, according to the State Health Department. Officials, however, have assured the public that there is no cause for panic, stating that the current situation remains under control.
Health Secretary G. Veerapandian said the four deceased patients had multiple pre-existing medical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious health complications. Three of the deaths were reported from Kadapa district, while one patient belonged to Kakinada.
Among the newly reported infections, Kadapa accounted for eight cases, making it the most affected district. Two cases were detected in Mangalagiri of Guntur district, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada reported one case each. The Health Department clarified that the infections were reported from different locations and there is no evidence of a cluster outbreak anywhere in the state.
Officials said that 67 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Andhra Pradesh between June 26 and July 15. At the national level, 339 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported since July 1, with Kerala recording the highest number of infections, followed by Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
Commenting on the recent rise in cases, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) COVID Task Force, said the current increase is part of the natural cyclical pattern seen with respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus. He noted that such waves generally subside after circulating for a few months.
Dr Jayadevan explained that widespread vaccination and previous exposure to COVID-19 during earlier waves have helped build a significant level of immunity in the population. As a result, while newer variants may still cause infections, they are generally less likely to lead to severe illness in most people.
He added that variants such as BA.3.2, XFG, and NB.1.8.1, which are currently circulating in different parts of the world, are considered comparatively milder. However, elderly individuals and people with underlying medical conditions continue to face a higher risk of complications and are advised to remain cautious.
Source: News Agencies
