What You Need to Know About the New 'Cicada' COVID-19 Variant A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, labeled BA.3.2 and nicknamed the “Cicada” variant, is spreading globally, raising concerns among public health experts due to its high number of mutations. The strain, first detected in South Africa in November 2024, has been found in at least 23 countries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its name reflects its sudden emergence in large numbers after years of being undetected, much like the cicada insect. BA.3.2 is characterized by its genetic divergence, with approximately 70-75 mutations in the spike protein—a critical part of the virus that binds to human cells. This is significantly higher than the 30-40 mutations seen in earlier variants like JN.1 and LP.8.1. Experts warn that these mutations could allow the virus to partially evade immunity from prior infections or current vaccines. Brandon Dionne, an associate clinical professor at Northeastern University, noted that the variant’s mutations may reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines, though further research is needed to confirm this. Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are similar to those of other recent variants, including sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, and fever. Some individuals also report gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea. The CDC emphasizes that the variant’s symptoms do not appear to be more severe than those of other strains. The current vaccine formulation targets variants from the Omicron lineage, particularly JN.1 and its descendants, which have been linked to most recent infections. However, BA.3.2 has been under surveillance since its discovery nearly 15 months ago. Data from U.S.#south_africa #cicada_variant #centers_for_disease_control #neurothetical_university #brandon_dionne
