New COVID subvariant 'Cicada' is on the rise in California.

Key Points:

• A highly mutated COVID-19 subvariant, BA.3.2 or "Cicada," is circulating in California, raising concerns about increased disease activity during the summer, a shift from previous winter peaks.
• The Cicada subvariant efficiently evades immunity from prior vaccination or infection, potentially leading to a seasonal rise in COVID-19 cases, especially concerning given low updated vaccine uptake among seniors in California.
• Detected initially in South Africa in late 2024 and now found in 23 countries, Cicada remains at low levels in California wastewater with no evidence of increased severity or rapid spread, but health officials warn of a possible modest COVID wave in late summer and early fall.
• Experts emphasize the importance of COVID vaccination, particularly for seniors and vulnerable groups, to prevent severe illness, long COVID, and protect pregnant women and infants, amid ongoing vaccine hesitancy and complacency.
• Despite uncertain projections, health professionals urge vigilance and preparedness for potential COVID surges linked to the Cicada variant, highlighting that the virus continues to pose significant public health risks.