What should Austin know about the ‘Cicada’ COVID variant?

Key Points:

• The new COVID-19 variant "Cicada" (BA.3.2) has been detected in Texas but currently accounts for only about 7% of U.S. COVID cases in wastewater and has not caused a significant infection wave in Austin or nationwide.
• Cicada is highly mutated and descended from a different strain than recent dominant variants; early data suggests current vaccines may be less effective against it, and children could be more susceptible, though it does not appear to cause more severe illness.
• COVID activity remains generally low in Texas, with some exceptions like Hays County showing high viral levels, and statewide hospitalizations and emergency visits for COVID are trending downward.
• Symptoms of COVID can overlap with other respiratory illnesses such as flu, strep, and RSV, making diagnosis challenging; medical professionals recommend staying current on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking testing when symptoms include fever or body aches.
• Epidemiologists continue to monitor Cicada and other variants to guide vaccine recommendations and prepare for potential surges, especially as travel increases during summer and winter holidays.