Why Andhra Pradesh is battling Covid again: Four deaths reported as fresh cases surface across state
Andhra Pradesh Covid update: Andhra Pradesh has reported a fresh rise in Covid-19 infections, with health authorities confirming 12 cases and four related deaths over the past three weeks. While officials have stressed that the numbers remain low and there is no evidence of a large outbreak, the latest figures have renewed concerns about the virus making a comeback.
According to Health Commissioner G Veerapandian, the infections were recorded between June 26 and July 16. The four persons who died were all suffering from serious pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.
Also Read | Cockroach Janata Party's Abhijit Dipke announces indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk moved to hospital
Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk removed from protest site, taken to govt hospital on Day 21 of hunger strike, say Delhi Police
Health Department data shows that Kadapa recorded the highest number of infections, with eight cases. Guntur reported two cases, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada recorded one case each.
Officials clarified that the infections were detected in different mandals and were not linked to a single cluster, indicating isolated transmission rather than a widespread local outbreak.
The state's first Covid-19 case of 2026 was identified in Kadapa on June 26. Between July 1 and July 16, 11 additional infections were reported.
Two of the patients are believed to have contracted the virus after coming into close contact with infected individual.
Among the infected patients, three are recovering in home isolation, while two remain admitted to hospitals for treatment. Three others have already recovered and have been discharged.
The Health Department conducted 67 Covid-19 tests between June 26 and July 15, with 11 positive results. Another patient tested positive at Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
Officials said all four fatalities involved patients with significant underlying medical conditions, which increased their risk of severe illness. Three deaths were reported from Kadapa district, while one occurred in Kakinada.
The Health Department has reiterated that the deaths should be viewed in the context of these existing health complications.
The latest developments come as multiple states continue to report fresh COVID-19 infections. Since July 1, India has recorded 339 cases, with Kerala reporting the highest number at 115.
Karnataka has reported 64 cases, followed by Maharashtra (43), Tamil Nadu (39), Delhi and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (18 each), Rajasthan (12), while other states have registered smaller numbers.
Health authorities continue to advise people, particularly senior citizens and those with chronic illnesses, to remain cautious and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms. While there is no indication of a major outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, officials say surveillance and testing will continue to closely monitor the situation.
- With inputs from agencies
