While many people believe the coronavirus pandemic has ended, COVID-19 continues to spread in several countries around the world. A concerning development has emerged from the United States, where a new COVID variant, BA.3.2, is rapidly increasing in multiple states.
Scientists have unofficially named the new variant “Cicada” due to its sudden reappearance pattern. Experts report that the variant carries more than 70 mutations, making it highly unusual and a subject of growing scientific concern. Reports indicate that the strain has already been detected not only in the United States but also in several other countries.
Why is the Variant Called “Cicada”?
The scientific name of the variant is BA.3.2, but researchers have nicknamed it “Cicada,” inspired by the cicada insect’s life cycle. Cicadas remain underground for years before suddenly emerging in large numbers. Similarly, the BA.3 lineage had not been widely observed since 2022 but has now resurfaced in a newly evolved form.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet assigned an official designation to this variant.
High Number of Mutations Raises Concern
Scientists have identified more than 70 mutations in the Cicada variant. These mutations may allow the virus to partially evade antibodies developed through previous infections or vaccinations. As a result, even individuals with strong immunity could remain vulnerable to infection.
Health experts are also concerned about the speed at which the variant appears to be spreading.
Detection Across US States
The variant was identified in 25 to 29 US states through wastewater surveillance at airports and traveler monitoring programs. Early cases were also detected at New York’s JFK International Airport.
Affected states include California, New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
How the Variant Spreads
Like earlier COVID strains, the BA.3.2 variant primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, inhalation of respiratory particles, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as researchers study the variant’s transmissibility and potential global impact.
