Is Omicron RF.5 more severe than other Covid strains in India?

A new Omicron sub-lineage has been detected in Andhra Pradesh, prompting increased surveillance. Health officials say there is no evidence so far that RF.5 causes more severe illness than earlier Omicron strains.Health officials say RF.5 is not linked to more severe illness so far. (Photo: Pexels)The detection of the Omicron RF.5 sub-variant in Andhra Pradesh has raised fresh concerns over COVID-19, with many wondering whether the strain is more infectious or severe than previous Omicron variants.According to a PTI report, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said in an official press release that four COVID-19 positive samples collected from patients in Kadapa district were identified as the RF.5 sub-lineage after genome sequencing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.The state has reported 16 COVID-19 active cases so far. The minister also said there is currently no evidence that RF.5 causes more severe disease than other circulating Omicron variants and urged people not to panic.WHAT IS THE OMICRON RF.5 VARIANT?RF.5 is an Omicron sub-lineage that has been identified in several countries, including Singapore and parts of Southeast Asia. Like other SAR-CoV-2 variants, it is being monitored through genomic surveillance to understand whether it spreads more easily or causes changes in disease severity. According to the Andhra Pradesh Health Department, the detection of RF.5 reflects the ongoing evolution of coronavirus and underscores the importance of continued genome sequencing to track emerging variants.IS RF.5 MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHER OMICRON VARIANTS?Andhra Pradesh health officials said there is no evidence that RF.5 causes more severe disease than the Omicron variants currently in circulation. Officials stressed that while new variants continue to emerge, not every mutation translates into increased risk. The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to monitor circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including RF.5. However, based on the evidence available so far, the variant has not been linked to increased severity or arise in hospitalisations.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?Health officials say the symptoms reported so far are similar to those seen with other Omicron infections, including:FeverSore throatCoughRunny or blocked noseHeadacheFatigueBody achesDoctors advise older adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and people with underlying medical conditions to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms worsen or breathing difficulties develop.HOW IS ANDHRA PRADESH RESPONDING?Following the confirmation of the RF.5 cases, the Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures.Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said government hospitals have been instructed to remain prepared with dedicated isolation wards, adequate oxygen supplies, essential medicines and testing facilities if required. The state is also continuing genome sequencing of positive samples to monitor the spread of emerging variants.Officials have urged the public not to panic, noting that the current situation does not suggest the emergence of a more dangerous COVID-19 wave.SHOULD PEOPLE BE WORRIED?Public health experts say the detection of a new sub-lineage is not unusual, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve.The key indicators that scientists monitor are whether a variant spreads significantly faster, escapes existing immunity or leads to more severe disease. At present, there is no evidence that RF.5 is behaving differently from other circulating Omicron variants.Officials have advised people with respiratory symptoms to seek medical advice and get tested when appropriate, while continuing genomic surveillance to monitor the spread of emerging variants.For now, officials say the focus remains on surveillance and early detection rather than alarm, while scientists continue to monitor RF.5 and other emerging COVID-19 sub-lineages.- EndsPublished On: Jul 20, 2026 13:16 IST