Is Omicron RF.5 a cause for concern? Here’s what its detection in Andhra Pradesh means for public health.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that genomic sequencing of all COVID-19 samples reported from Andhra Pradesh has confirmed the presence of the Omicron RF.5 sub-lineage.
While the finding has drawn attention, the Centre emphasized that RF.5 is not currently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Variant of Concern (VOC), Variant of Interest (VOI), or Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet)
)
The announcement comes amid limited COVID-19 activity in the state. According to the Andhra Pradesh government, 12 COVID-19 cases were reported between June 24 and July 16, 2026, while the state had recorded 49 total cases by July 25.
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Omicron RF.5 Found in All Sequenced Samples
Responding to a question in Parliament, Nadda said genomic sequencing conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, found that all COVID-19-positive samples received from Andhra Pradesh belonged to the RF.5 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant.
Earlier investigations had identified RF.5 predominantly in samples collected from Kadapa district, prompting enhanced surveillance in the state.
The Health Ministry reiterated that although the variant is being monitored through routine genomic surveillance, current scientific evidence does not indicate that RF.5 causes more severe disease than previously circulating Omicron strains.
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Three Deaths Linked to Patients with Comorbidities
Nadda also addressed reports of three COVID-19-related deaths in YSR Kadapa district, clarifying that all three patients had significant underlying health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic alcoholism. Health authorities indicated that these comorbidities likely contributed to the severity of illness.
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Centre Strengthens Nationwide COVID-19 and Respiratory Disease Surveillance
The Union Health Ministry said it continues nationwide surveillance of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP-IHIP). Any unusual increase in respiratory illnesses is investigated by Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
In addition, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, continues laboratory-based surveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
Given the ongoing influenza season, the Centre has advised all states and Union Territories to expand ILI and SARI surveillance, ensure adequate diagnostic capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE), review hospital surge preparedness, and strengthen clinical and laboratory readiness through regular preparedness reviews.
Are Current COVID-19 Vaccines Still Effective?
Health experts say there is no evidence that RF.5 significantly reduces protection against severe disease provided by existing COVID-19 vaccines. While RF.5 carries mutations that may help it partially evade antibodies, similar to other recent Omicron sub-lineages, vaccination and prior immunity continue to provide strong protection against hospitalization and severe outcomes.
Experts continue to recommend vaccination for eligible individuals, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms Remain Similar to Other Omicron Variants
According to health officials, symptoms associated with RF.5 remain largely unchanged and include sore throat, cough, fever, headache, runny or blocked nose, fatigue, and body aches.
Doctors note that infections have generally been mild in healthy individuals, although elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions remain at greater risk of complications.
No Evidence RF.5 Poses a Greater Public Health Risk
While the detection of RF.5 in all sequenced samples highlights the importance of continued genomic surveillance, both the Centre and state health authorities stress that there is currently no evidence suggesting the variant poses a greater public health threat than earlier Omicron sub-lineages.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, follow basic hygiene practices when symptomatic, and seek medical attention if severe symptoms develop, rather than panic.
Reference:
- WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet) – (https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/variants)
Source-Medindia