KADAPA, JUL 12 (AGENCIES): COVID-19 has resurfaced in Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Kadapa district, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and preparedness measures after eight cases were reported and two patients died in recent weeks.
A 52-year-old man from Kadapa’s Rajampet area, who tested positive for COVID-19 after developing fever and cough, died while undergoing treatment at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
In another case, a 43-year-old man from Kadapa, who was admitted to the Government General Hospital with health complications, tested positive and later died while receiving treatment in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. A 25-year-old medical student from Kadapa Medical College has also tested positive for the virus and is currently undergoing treatment through home isolation.
Following the fresh cases, the Health department deployed special rapid response teams to the district. Officials collected samples from around 40 people in affected areas. 18 samples have reportedly returned negative, while results of the remaining tests are awaited.
District health officials informed a recent Zilla Parishad meeting that the district currently has eight active COVID-19 cases. Samples have been sent to a laboratory in Pune for genome sequencing to identify the virus variant and understand its transmission pattern.
Following the developments, state health authorities have issued a COVID-19 preparedness alert across Andhra Pradesh. District administrations have been asked to strengthen surveillance, testing, reporting systems, and infection-control measures. Authorities have urged people not to panic but remain cautious, maintain hygiene, wear masks in crowded areas, and seek medical attention if COVID-like symptoms appear.
