Spotlight COVID-19 New COVID subvariant 'cicada' is on the rise. Here's what you need to know Rong-Gong Lin II Los Angeles Times Apr 27, 2026 Apr 27, 2026 Updated Jun 2, 2026 The timing of the spread of the "cicada" subvariant underscores that COVID-19 has lately morphed into more of a summer disease. Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Rong-Gong Lin II Los Angeles Times A highly mutated COVID-19 strain is circulating in California, raising concerns that disease activity could rise heading into the summer.kAm%96 6>6C86?46 @7 E96 qp]b]a DEC2:?[ ?:4<?2>65 Q4:4252[Q 4@>6D 2>:5 3C@256C F?62D:?6DD 23@FE r~'xs G244:?2E:@? C2E6D 2>@?8 D6?:@CD — H9@ 2C6 6DA64:2==J DFD46AE:3=6 E@ E96 G:CFD — 2?5 H96E96C 4@>A=246?4J 27E6C 324<\E@\324< C6=2E:G6=J BF:6E H:?E6CD 92D =67E E96 6=56C=J GF=?6C23=6]k^AmkAm%96 Q4:4252Q ?:4<?2>6 C676CD E@ E9:D DF3G2C:2?EVD 2AA2C6?E 5@C>2?4J 367@C6 :E C66>6C865 :? a_ad[ 2<:? 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C6=2E:G6=J =@H 2?5[ 2D 2 C6DF=E[ Q:E :D 92C5 E@ @3E2:? 9:89\BF2=:EJ[ 9:89\4@?7:56?46 D6BF6?46D[Q q@69> D2:5]k^Am Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story They’re in remission, but their medical bills aren’t: Cancer survivors navigate soaring costs Surviving cancer is only part of the journey. For millions, the cost of care continues to shape daily life. COVID-19, pandemic trauma and why the hantavirus anxiety is hitting us so hard A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship last week stirred up anxiety and feelings of unease for many people who are still grappling with th… What to know about COVID variant 'Cicada' as cases rise The COVID variant BA.3.2, known as Cicada, is causing rising cases in the U.S. and globally. 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