New ‘Highly Mutated’ COVID-19 Variant ‘Cicada’ Spreads Across 23 Countries

By Editor Drealomalicha Emmanuella

A newly identified COVID-19 variant, known as BA.3.2 and nicknamed “Cicada”, is beginning to draw attention from health experts around the world over concerns that it could weaken the effectiveness of existing vaccines.

The variant is linked to the older BA.3 Omicron strain, which had largely disappeared before resurfacing a pattern that inspired its “Cicada” nickname, referencing long periods of dormancy. Scientists say BA.3.2 carries several genetic changes that set it apart from more recent variants such as JN.1 and LP.8.1, which were used to develop current vaccines.

Although research is still ongoing, early findings suggest the variant may spread more easily than earlier Omicron strains. However, experts caution that its full impact particularly its ability to evade immune protection is not yet fully understood.

The variant was first detected in South Africa in November 2024 and has since been identified in several parts of the world. In the United States, it was initially found in a traveller last June, with the first confirmed case recorded in January.

While BA.3.2 is not yet a dominant strain globally, it is gradually increasing. It currently accounts for a small proportion of cases in the United States but has risen more sharply in parts of Europe.

Symptoms associated with the “Cicada” variant appear similar to earlier COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, and loss of taste or smell. Among these, sore throat has been reported most frequently.

Despite concerns, health experts say there is no evidence so far that the variant causes more severe illness. Existing vaccines are still expected to offer strong protection against serious outcomes such as hospitalisation and death, even if their ability to prevent infection may be slightly reduced.

For many people, the emergence of yet another variant may be worrying. However, experts stress that continued vaccination, awareness, and basic precautions remain key to staying protected.