Following reports of COVID-19 deaths in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu’s Health Department stated there is no indication of a highly virulent COVID-19 variant circulating in the state, with current infections lower than in prior years.
In a Monday press release, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine addressed recent media coverage of two deaths linked to COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh. One involved a 52-year-old man transferred from a Tirupati private hospital to Vellore on June 26. He had Klebsiella pneumoniae and COVID-19 infections along with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and died on June 28 from complications including severe bacterial infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The second case concerned a 68-year-old man receiving colon cancer treatment at a Vellore private hospital who developed respiratory failure. COVID-19 was identified incidentally. Separately, a 46-year-old man from Kadapa district died while undergoing COVID-19 treatment in Andhra Pradesh, where health authorities are reviewing his records.
In Tamil Nadu, COVID-19 monitoring continues under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. Routine testing occurs before surgeries, for severe respiratory cases unresponsive to treatment, and in other patients. Confirmed cases totaled 990 in 2024, 1,250 in 2025, and 335 so far this year, for 2,575 overall. All detections came through standard surveillance without signs of an outbreak. Most patients experienced mild symptoms, with no increase in severity or unusual presentations noted.
Whole Genome Sequencing at the National Institute of Virology in Pune indicated the circulating variant causes mild illness and low community transmission.
The directorate advised no cause for public alarm. Elderly individuals, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, and people with weakened immunity should maintain preventive steps. Recommended actions include hand hygiene and proper cough and sneeze etiquette. The department continues monitoring and urges reliance on official sources over rumors.
