📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Petro Stelte
Health
New 'Cicada' COVID Variant May Be Driving Rising Cases in Andhra Pradesh
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 18 Jul 2026, 03:26 AM
👁 2
Health officials warn that the 'Cicada' sub‑variant, a descendant of Omicron, could be contributing to a surge in COVID‑19 cases across Andhra Pradesh.
Scientists have identified a new sub‑variant of the Omicron strain, dubbed 'Cicada', that is circulating in Andhra Pradesh.
Recent surveillance data shows a 15% rise in daily cases over the past week, with the variant detected in 70% of new samples.
Dr. R. Kumar, head of the state’s COVID‑19 task force, said the variant’s higher transmissibility could be behind the uptick.
Health authorities advise continued mask use, vaccination, and testing, especially in high‑density areas.
Recent surveillance data shows a 15% rise in daily cases over the past week, with the variant detected in 70% of new samples.
Dr. R. Kumar, head of the state’s COVID‑19 task force, said the variant’s higher transmissibility could be behind the uptick.
Health authorities advise continued mask use, vaccination, and testing, especially in high‑density areas.