The novel COVID-19 subvariant, designated BA.3.2 and nicknamed “Cicada,” has reignited memories of the pandemic’s disruptive impact and raised renewed fears about the potential for severe illness.
Dubbed “Cicada” due to its pattern of dormancy and sudden re-emergence, the variant has been detected in 23 countries as of February, prompting health experts to urge the public to adhere to preventive measures such as mask-wearing.
What Is the Cicada Variant?
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, Cicada is a descendant of the Omicron BA.3 lineage and is genetically distinct from previous lineages like JN.1, LP.8.1, and XFG. It comprises two main branches, BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2, with the latter carrying additional mutations including K356T, A575S, R681H, and R1162P.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), indicating that while it isn’t considered highly dangerous at present, it harbors concerning mutations. According to the latest CDC report, Cicada has accumulated between 70 and 75 substitutions and deletions in its spike protein gene.
Time to Mask Up
Medical experts emphasize the importance of continued vigilance. Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, a healthcare strategist, advised in Forbes that individuals should maintain COVID-19 precautions—including mask-wearing and hand hygiene—in crowded or indoor settings. He stressed the importance of vaccinations, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and staying informed about local transmission levels.
Prof. Ravi Gupta of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, noted that Cicada differs from previous variants the world has been battling over the past two years.
Could Cicada Cause Severe Illness?
While the virus has the potential to cause serious disease, especially among vulnerable populations, experts warn that Cicada may evade immunity conferred by past infections or vaccination due to its mutations. However, current evidence suggests that existing COVID vaccines still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center commented that protections from prior immunity and vaccines might be less effective against Cicada, but they are unlikely to be completely ineffective.
Symptoms of the Cicada Variant
The symptoms associated with Cicada are similar to those of earlier COVID strains and include:
- Sore throat
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the world braces for any shifts in the virus’s behavior. For now, maintaining preventive practices remains crucial in reducing transmission risks.