PNS|Visakhapatnam
The first COVID-19 case reported in Visakhapatnam after several months, coupled with a rise in infections in some Indian States and a fresh surge across parts of Asia, has reignited concerns about the virus’s potential comeback. The patient, a woman with no travel history, tested positive for the virus—confirmed by both a Rapid Antigen Test and an RT-PCR test at King George Hospital (KGH). Officials clarified that she is recovering at home and that her condition is stable.
“The number of cases is increasing in a few States in India, but there are no ICU admissions so far,” said Dr. K. Rambabu, Director of Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), speaking to The Pioneer on Friday. He confirmed that the virus currently circulating is a variant of JN.1. He urged high-risk individuals—those with co-morbidities or low immunity—to wear masks in public spaces and avoid crowded areas. Dr. Rambabu, who previously served as the State Nodal Officer for COVID-19, explained that the virus may remain dormant in previously infected individuals and can reactivate when immunity wanes.
Responding to the situation, VIMS has reopened a 20-bed COVID-19 ward and stocked up on essential supplies, including Rapid Test kits, PPE for staff, and medicines. Only patients who test positive in the Rapid Test will be subjected to confirmatory RT-PCR testing. Meanwhile, airport authorities have continued random thermal screening of 2% of international passengers arriving via the direct flight from Singapore. “We haven’t received any fresh guidelines from the government yet,” said Officiating Airport Director N. Purushottam.
At KGH, a separate 20-bed isolation ward has also been set up. “The woman is stable and there’s no cause for panic,” said KGH Superintendent Dr. P. Sivananda. Public health advocates, however, have urged the government to act swiftly. The general secretary and president of Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV), T. Kameswara Rao and M.V. Ramaiah, respectively, have appealed to Health Minister A. Satya Kumar Yadav to issue clear guidelines for all districts to contain the virus’s spread.
Health officials say there is no immediate reason for alarm, but caution that continued monitoring, masking in high-risk groups, and proactive readiness are crucial in the face of evolving variants such as LF.7 and NB.1.8.
