A COVID-19 variant nicknamed “Cicada” has resurfaced, drawing renewed attention from health authorities worldwide. First detected in late 2024, the BA.3.2 strain initially emerged in South Africa before fading behind other variants.
It has now returned, spreading across several regions, including the United States and parts of Europe, prompting fresh discussions about monitoring, vaccination, and public safety.
The variant earned its name because of its cyclical pattern of appearing, receding, and returning, much like the insect known for emerging after long periods of dormancy.
Below are things to know about the Cicada variant of the deadly COVID-19.
Symptoms Remain Familiar
Experts say Cicada largely produces symptoms similar to previous COVID-19 strains, including sore throat, fever or chills, headache, persistent cough, body aches, and a runny nose. Because these signs resemble the flu, testing remains the most reliable way to confirm infection. In most cases, symptoms last from a few days up to a week.
What Sets Cicada Apart
According to reports, the Cicada variant carries between 70 and 75 mutations in its spike protein — the portion of the virus targeted by the immune system. While this mutation count is higher than in many earlier variants, Cicada remains part of the Omicron family, sharing similarities with recently circulating strains.
Vaccines Still Offer Protection
Current COVID-19 vaccines, particularly those updated for Omicron, are expected to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalisation from Cicada. However, their effectiveness against mild infections may be reduced due to the variant’s mutations. Health officials emphasise that many severe cases continue to occur among unvaccinated individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Testing and Unknowns
Data on Cicada’s detectability and severity remain limited. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, notes that most existing COVID-19 tests should remain effective because they target stable parts of the virus. It is not yet clear if Cicada causes more severe illness than previous variants, and health experts are closely monitoring its spread.
