The new COVID-19 strain, “Cicada,” has been detected in 23 countries: what is known about it
14 April 06:21
The World Health Organization continues to closely monitor the spread of a new coronavirus variant known as “Cicada.” This refers to the BA.3.2 strain, which has already been detected in 23 countries worldwide. Despite the large number of mutations, there is currently no evidence that this variant causes a more severe course of the disease than previous COVID-19 strains. This is reported by BBC News Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
At the same time, experts have noted one interesting feature: children appear to be infected with this variant more frequently than adults.
Where the new COVID-19 variant has been detected
According to available information, cases of infection with the “Cicada” variant have already been recorded in 23 countries, including:
- the United States;
- in the United Kingdom;
- in Hong Kong;
- in Mozambique.
Thus, the new variant has already spread to various parts of the world, and its circulation continues to be monitored by international organizations and national health authorities.
Why the new strain was named “Cicada”
The BA.3.2 variant received the unofficial name “Cicada” due to its unusual behavior following its initial detection. In some countries, it seemed to “disappear” and did not show active spread for a long time.
It was this characteristic that reminded researchers of the life cycle of cicadas, which can remain dormant underground for years and then suddenly reappear.
What is known about its spread in the U.S.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that BA.3.2 has already been detected in 25 U.S. states.
This variant has also been detected:
- in nasal swab samples from four travelers;
- in clinical specimens from five patients;
- in 132 wastewater samples.
Wastewater testing is considered one of the indirect but important methods of epidemiological monitoring, allowing for the detection of viral spread even before the widespread identification of clinical cases.
How the WHO assesses the new strain
The World Health Organization has classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring.”
This means it is under enhanced monitoring, and experts are assessing whether it could pose a serious risk to human health.
So far, “Cicada” is not considered one of the most dangerous variants, but due to significant genetic changes, it remains the focus of attention for the international medical community.
Do children really get infected more often?
According to observations in New York, children may have a slightly higher probability of testing positive for the BA.3.2 variant than adults.
However, scientists urge caution against jumping to conclusions. These results have not yet been peer-reviewed or officially published.
Among the possible explanations for this trend, researchers suggest that the new variant of the virus may be less recognizable to the immune system, which has not previously encountered it.
In adults, on the other hand, a broader reservoir of antibodies and immune memory develops over the years, which may partially explain the difference in susceptibility.
What are the symptoms of the “Cicada” strain?
To date, there is no evidence that the “Cicada” strain causes a more severe course of the disease than other coronavirus variants.
Nor have any specific symptoms been identified that occur more frequently with BA.3.2.
In general, COVID-19 may present the same way as before, including:
- fever;
- cough;
- sore throat;
- runny nose;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- body aches;
- shortness of breath;
- digestive disorders.
Why is this variant considered highly mutated?
All viruses mutate over time, but RNA viruses, which include SARS-CoV-2, change particularly quickly.
The U.S. CDC has described BA.3.2 as a “significantly different” variant. This means it has evolved substantially from the original “Omicron.”
Such mutations can make it harder for the immune system to recognize the virus, allowing it to partially evade existing antibodies.
Are vaccines effective against “Cicada”?
Due to new mutations, vaccine protection against infection with this specific variant may be somewhat weaker.
However, experts emphasize that vaccination remains an important form of protection.
According to the WHO, approximately two-thirds of the world’s population has already been vaccinated against COVID-19. At the same time, access to updated booster shots depends on the specific country and its medical resources.
New vaccine versions, tailored to specific strains, may emerge in the event of a significant rise in cases or more severe disease progression.
Should we be worried about the new variant?
There is no reason to panic yet. Although “Cicada” has many mutations and has already been detected in 23 countries, there is currently no evidence that it is more dangerous or causes a more severe course of the disease.
At the same time, international organizations and scientists are closely monitoring its behavior, spread, and impact on different age groups.
