Bhubaneswar: Odisha has intensified COVID-19 surveillance and preparedness after neighbouring Andhra Pradesh reported fresh coronavirus cases and a COVID-19-related death in Kadapa district. State health officials said no positive COVID-19 cases have been detected in Odisha so far, but precautionary measures have been strengthened to ensure any infections are identified and contained at an early stage.

The enhanced surveillance comes amid increased monitoring in Andhra Pradesh, where health authorities have stepped up testing, deployed rapid response teams and readied isolation facilities following a rise in infections.

No active COVID-19 cases in Odisha

According to Odisha’s Public Health Director Rabindranath Mishra, COVID-19 surveillance is continuing across the state through regular testing at healthcare facilities.

He said all samples tested so far have returned negative results and that there is no immediate cause for concern. However, the state remains on alert due to the movement of people between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Health officials confirmed that Odisha currently has no active COVID-19 cases, but surveillance has been intensified as a preventive measure.

Andhra Pradesh reports fresh infections

The precautionary measures in Odisha follow recent COVID-19 cases reported in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Kadapa district.

According to officials, Andhra Pradesh has increased surveillance, collected samples from people in affected areas, deployed rapid response teams and instructed hospitals to keep isolation facilities ready.

On July 9, a 46-year-old man from Kadapa died after testing positive for COVID-19. According to health authorities, he had been admitted to hospital with severe breathlessness and cough after antibiotics failed to improve his condition. Officials also noted that he had a history of alcohol addiction.

The recent infections have prompted Andhra Pradesh to strengthen measures to detect and contain any further spread of the virus.

Odisha revives surveillance measures

Odisha has revived COVID-19 surveillance measures that had been scaled down after infections declined.

Health officials said regular testing is being conducted, particularly among patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

The state is also implementing the Union Health Ministry’s advisory, which directs states to remain vigilant and maintain surveillance for COVID-19.

Under the guidelines:

  • All patients admitted with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) are being tested for COVID-19.
  • At least 5 per cent of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases are being tested.
  • Positive SARI samples are being sent for whole genome sequencing through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory network to monitor circulating variants.

Officials said these measures are intended to facilitate early detection of infections and identify any emerging variants.

Public urged to remain vigilant

Health authorities said there is no need for panic despite the heightened surveillance.

Officials have advised the public to maintain good personal hygiene, seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough or breathlessness, and follow public health advisories issued by the government.

They emphasised that the enhanced monitoring is a precautionary step and that Odisha remains free of confirmed active COVID-19 cases while continuing to closely watch developments in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.