Hyderabad: The recent reporting of four Covid-19-related deaths and 12 active cases in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh has put Telangana’s health authorities on alert, prompting experts to call for closer surveillance while stressing that there is no evidence of increased transmission in the state.With thousands of people travelling daily between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for work, education and business, public health experts said the developments warrant vigilance, not panic. Officials noted that all four deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh involved patients with underlying comorbidities, and samples have been sent for genome sequencing to identify the circulating variant.Telangana director of public health Dr G Ravinder Naik said the state has not recorded any unusual rise in Covid-19 cases or respiratory illness-related hospital admissions.“As of now, there is no indication of community transmission or any surge in Telangana. The Union ministry of health and family welfare has also not issued any fresh advisory to states regarding enhanced Covid-19 surveillance or testing,” he said.He added that introducing routine Covid-19 testing at basti dawakhanas and primary health centres would be premature.“Testing every patient with fever or respiratory symptoms is not warranted now. We are continuously monitoring the situation. If there is any advisory from the Centre or evidence of increased transmission, appropriate measures will be taken immediately,” said Dr Naik.Although Telangana has not issued a formal advisory, neighbouring developments have prompted heightened attention. Following the Andhra Pradesh alert, the Odisha govt directed districts to strengthen surveillance, particularly in border areas, and ensure testing of people presenting with respiratory symptoms, despite no positive cases being reported there.Public health experts emphasised that surveillance systems must remain active to detect any early signs of increased transmission.“We should strengthen monitoring of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections in hospitals. Sentinel surveillance is the best way to identify any change in disease trends without causing unnecessary panic,” said a senior govt epidemiologist.Experts also advised vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and immunocompromised individuals, to remain cautious, seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop, and avoid crowded indoor spaces when unwell.“There is currently no cause for panic but the situation in Andhra Pradesh would continue to be monitored closely, particularly in view of the high volume of inter-state travel,” said Dr Naik.
