scariant

 This is a new variant of the COVID-19 virus as described in the media with the emphasis on how much more infectious or deadly it might be. Any new variant has the possibility of being something worse, and it takes a little while for scientists to distinguish between variants of interest (new but not doing much damage) and variants of concern (new and causing more infections and deaths).  In the meantime the media creates a monster that will wipe out the world. This catches the attention of the public because it is something we all fear, but it is not helpful.

This is one of those successful blends that needs no explanation.