Published Jul 17, 2026 | 10:21 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 17, 2026 | 10:21 AM
Five samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for genome sequencing.
Synopsis: Twelve people from Andhra Pradesh have tested positive for COVID-19 in 2026. Of them, four with co-morbidities died. The state’s Health Department asked people not to panic since no cluster of infections has been found. It also stated that the state’s COVID-19 caseload was less compared to other states. Kerala reported the highest number in 2026, with 115 cases, followed by Karnataka with 64 cases.
Two more people have died of COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the death toll in the state to four since the coronavirus resurfaced this year, the state Health Department said on Thursday. 16 July.
Health Secretary and Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare G Veerapandian said 12 infections have been recorded between 26 June and 16 July. He added that there was no need for panic as the cases were scattered across four districts and no cluster of infections had been detected.
The department said all four deceased patients had severe underlying illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and other chronic medical conditions. Three of the deaths were reported from Kadapa district and one from Kakinada district.
“The cases have been reported from different mandals and localities, with no clustering of infections identified anywhere in the state,” Veerapandian said.
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The first COVID-19 case of the current year in Andhra Pradesh was in Kadapa district on 26 June. Eleven more cases were identified between 1 July and 16 July. Two of them were close contacts of previously infected patients.
Of the 67 people tested for coronavirus infection between 26 June and 15 July, 11 tested positive. Another patient from Kakinada was confirmed positive after undergoing testing at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in Tamil Nadu, taking the total number of cases to 12.
Officials said the infections were reported from different mandals and localities, indicating sporadic transmission rather than a localised outbreak.
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Highest caseload in Kadapa
Kadapa recorded the highest number of infections, accounting for eight of the state’s 12 cases. Guntur reported two cases, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada reported one each.
The Health Department said the distribution of cases across multiple districts, with no concentration in a single locality, suggested that there was no evidence of community clustering.
Of the 12 patients who tested positive, four succumbed to the infection. The department clarified that all four patients had co-morbidities.
Three of the deaths occurred in Kadapa district, while one patient died in Kakinada district.
Officials said underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and other chronic ailments in the patients contributed to the severity of the illness.
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To identify the circulating variant, five samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for genome sequencing. The samples were dispatched on 9 July. The results are awaited.
The Health Department said genomic sequencing would help determine the genetic makeup of the virus responsible for the recent infections.
At present, three COVID-19 patients have been sequestered at their residences, while two are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Three patients recovered and have been discharged.
Veerapandian said hospitals across the state have been instructed to remain prepared. An alert has been issued to doctors, medical officers and healthcare staff as a precautionary measure.
“There is no need for public concern. People should continue to follow basic preventive measures, avoid crowded places and wear masks,” he said.
The Health Department also pointed to the national COVID-19 situation, noting that 339 cases have been reported across India since 1 July.
Kerala recorded the highest number of cases at 115, followed by Karnataka with 64, Maharashtra with 43, Tamil Nadu with 39, Delhi with 18, Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 18, Rajasthan with 12 and smaller numbers in other states.
Officials said Andhra Pradesh’s case count remained low in comparison and stressed that surveillance was continuing across the state.
Health authorities advised elderly people, individuals with chronic illnesses and those experiencing respiratory symptoms to exercise caution, avoid crowded places and seek medical attention if required, while reiterating that there was no evidence of widespread transmission in the state.
