Another COVID-19 subvariant, which is informally referred to as the Cicada variant, is making headlines around the world as researchers track its spread and mutation pattern. The variant was formally denoted as BA.3.2 and constitutes a part of Omicron of SARS-CoV-2 and was initially identified in South Africa in November 2024.
The name Cicada is attributed to the strange pattern of its appearance. Similar to the insect which sleeps in the ground and emerges later on, this version went unnoticed for a few months before resurfacing with the stronger force in 2025 and early 2026.
According to health agencies, this variant of the CPR has now been reported in at least 23 countries, and cases have been reported as a result of clinical testing, travellers and wastewater survival and. It is expanding globally, but analysts emphasise that it is now considered a variant under observation, not a variant of serious concern.
The high mutations are one of the main factors that contributed to the increased attention to BA.3.2. It has about 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, estimated by scientists, which is considerably higher than several previous versions of Omicron subvariants. The mutations can contribute to an increase in transmissibility and enable the virus to partially overcome immunity to a preceding infection or vaccination.
Nevertheless, there are indicators that at least the Cicada form does not seem to pose a more serious disease case than previous ones have, which gave them concern even without understanding all the extremes of its impact.
Most of the reported ones are mild to moderate, especially in vaccinated persons. Experts are also of the opinion that presently used vaccines still protect against severe disease, although their efficacy against infection might also be lower.
The symptoms associated with the variant are still close to the previous types of COVID-19. Typical symptoms are sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue, nasal congestion and aches in the muscles. It is worth noting that a sore throat that is acute has been brought out as a more pronounced symptom in certain instances.
Experts in the field of public health state that not enough to panic, but the possibility of the variant escaping immunity and spreading very fast is something that should be closely monitored. There are scientists warning that it may be a contributing factor to future infection waves in case it becomes more predominant.
The government is still stressing the simplest measures, including vaccination, symptomatic testing, and shielding the vulnerable groups. Since the virus is dynamic, according to experts, the most effective measure is vigilance rather than panic.