New COVID Subvariant 'Cicada' Emerges in California, Raising Concerns for Summer Surge
A new COVID-19 subvariant, known as 'Cicada', is spreading in California, raising concerns about a potential summer surge in cases. This subvariant, identified as BA.3.2, has shown the ability to evade immunity from previous infections and vaccinations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The emergence of Cicada comes as COVID-19 has shifted to more of a summer disease in California, with recent summer peaks surpassing winter ones. Experts, including Dr. Neil Silverman from UCLA, warn that the subvariant could lead to increased cases, particularly among seniors who have lower vaccination rates. The California Department of Public Health has noted that while the subvariant is present in wastewater samples, it has not yet led to increased severity of illness. 
