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A new variant of COVID-19 — BA.3.2, unofficially dubbed “Cicada” — has been detected worldwide. It has already been identified in dozens of countries, but there is currently no evidence that it is more dangerous than previous strains, according to BBC.
Key points
- Spread: The BA.3.2 variant has been detected in at least 23 countries. The World Health Organization assesses the global health risk as low.
- Risk group: Early data suggest children may be more vulnerable due to features their immune systems.
- Severity: “Cicada” does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous Omicron strains.
- Vaccination: Vaccines remain an effective way to prevent severe complications.
- Outlook: Epidemiologists consider the emergence of new variants a natural part of viral evolution.
Where the variant has been detected
Cases have been reported in at least 23 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Mozambique.
In the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant has already been identified in 25 states. It has been detected both in patient samples and in wastewater, a key epidemiological monitoring tool.
The WHO has classified “Cicada” as a variant under monitoring, meaning enhanced surveillance is required.
What makes “Cicada” different
The BA.3.2 variant earned its nickname due to its behavior—it appeared to remain inactive for some time in certain regions before spreading.
Scientists also describe it as highly divergent, meaning it carries a large number of mutations and differs significantly from earlier COVID-19 variants.
Are children more affected?
Preliminary data suggest that children may be more susceptible than adults, but researchers caution that these findings are not yet conclusive.
Possible reasons include:
- a less “trained” immune system in children;
- mutations that may help the virus evade immune defenses.
Studies are ongoing.
Symptoms
There is no evidence that “Cicada” causes unique or more severe symptoms. Like other COVID-19 variants, it typically includes:
- fever;
- cough;
- sore throat;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- shortness of breath.
Due to its mutations, vaccine effectiveness may be slightly reduced, but it still provides meaningful protection.
Experts note that even in case of infection, the illness is likely to remain mild in most cases.
Is there cause for concern?
According to the WHO, the overall global health risk remains low. Experts emphasize that new variants are a normal part of virus evolution, and COVID-19 has largely become one of the common respiratory infections.
However, special attention should still be given to high-risk groups:
- people over 65;
- patients with chronic conditions;
- individuals with weakened immune systems.
For now, the “Cicada” variant does not pose an increased threat, but scientists continue to monitor it closely.
