COVID cases are on the rise in the D.C. region. Meanwhile, two new coronavirus variants are popping up and concerning scientists — EG.5 and BA.2.86. On top of that, Maryland reported its first locally transmitted malaria case in over 40 years. Should these emerging variants and disease worry us? For answers, we talk to Andrew Pekosz — virologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Pekosz explains what is going on with COVID and malaria, locally, and he gives us his risk assessment of the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices