California is facing a strong wave of COVID this summer. One reason is a new mutation of the virus. The heat waves and wildfires have kept people indoors, making it easier for the virus to spread. Many adults are also more vulnerable because they haven’t been exposed to the virus recently. The virus has changed, too. There is a new subvariant called KP.3.1.1 that is highly contagious. Even people who haven’t had COVID before are getting sick. COVID cases are increasing, but hospitalizations are still lower than in past summers. The World Health Organization is concerned about the rising infections worldwide. It’s important to keep testing for COVID, as symptoms can be similar to allergies. Wastewater data shows high levels of the virus in California. It’s essential to follow safety measures like wearing masks in crowded indoor places to stay safe.
Vocabulary List:
- Mutation /mjuːˈteɪʃən/ (noun): A change or alteration in the structure or sequence of genes or chromosomes.
- Vulnerable /ˈvʌlnərəbəl/ (adjective): Capable of being physically or emotionally harmed.
- Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adjective): Able to be transmitted from one person to another.
- Hospitalizations /ˌhɑːspɪtəlʌˈzeɪʃənz/ (noun): The act of admitting someone to a hospital for treatment.
- Infections /ɪnˈfɛkʃənz/ (noun): The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues leading to disease.
- Transmission /trænzˈmɪʃən/ (noun): The act or process of sending or conveying something from one place or person to another.
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