Kids may be more likely to get the new ‘Cicada’ variant of Covid-19, scientists say. Here’s what to know about BA.3.2
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- A heavily mutated Covid-19 variant, BA.3.2 or "Cicada," primarily infects children aged 3 to 15 but does not cause more severe disease in kids or adults, according to scientists.
- BA.3.2 has been detected in 23 countries and 25 US states at low levels, with current vaccines still offering some protection, and experts see little need to update vaccines specifically for it.
- The variant likely evolved from a chronic infection in an immunocompromised individual, accumulating numerous spike protein mutations, but it has not become globally dominant due to reduced ability to bind to cell receptors.
- BA.3.2's increased infection rate in children may be due to their waning immunity compared to adults and fewer prior exposures to Covid-19, making their immune response less diverse and effective.
- Scientists emphasize monitoring BA.3.2 for potential changes but note it behaves like other respiratory viruses that commonly spread among children without causing major public health concerns.
