What we know about the new 'cicada' COVID-19 variant
PBS • • health
Key Points:
- The new COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "cicada," first appeared in 2024, resurfaced in the U.S. late last year, and has been detected in 25 states, though it remains a minority strain according to the CDC.
- "Cicada" is part of the omicron family and carries 70 to 75 mutations, which may help it evade immune defenses from current vaccines, but evidence on its transmissibility and severity is still limited.
- While the variant has gained traction in Northern Europe, causing about 30% of cases in some countries, there is no current evidence that it causes more severe illness than previous variants.
- Existing COVID-19 vaccines may offer reduced protection against infection from BA.3.2 but are still expected to protect against severe disease; annual vaccination remains recommended, especially for high-risk groups.
- Traditional at-home COVID-19 tests continue to detect the "cicada" variant effectively, as they target viral components that do not change rapidly.
