Alert: New “Cicada” Virus is Spreading

A new COVID-19 variant—nicknamed the “Cicada” variant—is gaining attention among health experts worldwide. While it’s not currently considered a major public health emergency, its high number of mutations and ability to spread quietly have raised important questions about what comes next in the evolution of COVID-19.

What Is the “Cicada” Variant?

The “Cicada” variant is officially known as BA.3.2, a subvariant of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

• First detected in South Africa in late 2024
• Classified by the World Health Organization as a “variant under monitoring”

What makes this variant notable is its extreme number of mutations—particularly in the spike protein, which the virus uses to infect cells.

• Estimated 70+ spike protein mutations

This level of mutation is what has scientists watching closely.

Why the name “Cicada”?

1. It “Went Quiet”… Then Came Back

Cicadas are famous for:

• Staying underground for years at a time
• Then suddenly emerging in large numbers

Health observers used this comparison because the variant:

• Was circulating at low, barely noticeable levels
• Then reappeared or gained attention later, similar to how cicadas “reemerge”

2. It Spread Quietly Before Detection

Like cicadas that you don’t notice until they’re everywhere, this variant:

• Likely spread under the radar
• Was only identified after it had already circulated in multiple regions

That “silent buildup → sudden visibility” pattern is what reinforced the nickname.

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How Contagious Is It?

The answer: Still being studied—but potentially concerning.

Here’s what researchers know so far:

• The variant may have a growth advantage over some earlier strains, suggesting it could spread more easily
• Its mutations may help it partially evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections
• However, some data suggests it is not yet more dominant or significantly more contagious than recent variants

Bottom line:
It may spread efficiently, especially through reinfections—but it has not yet triggered major global surges.

Symptoms of the Cicada Variant

The symptoms of the Cicada variant are very similar to other Omicron-related infections, which can make it harder to distinguish without testing.

Common Symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Persistent cough
• Sore throat (often reported as severe)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Muscle/body aches
• Nasal congestion or runny nose

Less Common Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Loss of smell or taste (less frequent than earlier variants)

One standout note:
Some reports highlight a “very severe sore throat” as a noticeable symptom in this variant.

Does It Cause More Severe Illness?

So far, no clear evidence suggests the Cicada variant causes more severe disease.

• Most cases are described as mild to moderate
• It is not currently linked to higher hospitalization or death rates

However, experts caution that:

• High mutation levels could change how the virus behaves
• Vulnerable populations (older adults, immunocompromised individuals) remain at higher risk

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How to Protect Yourself

Even with new variants, the fundamentals of protection remain the same—and they still work.

1. Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

• Vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection
• BUT they still reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death

2. Test When You Feel Sick

• Symptoms overlap with flu and colds
• Testing is key to knowing what you’re dealing with

3. Mask in High-Risk Settings

• Consider wearing a high-quality mask (like N95/KN95) in crowded indoor spaces

4. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid close contact when sick

5. Stay Home If You’re Ill

• Prevents spreading the virus—especially to vulnerable individuals

The Bigger Picture

The emergence of the Cicada variant is a reminder that:

• COVID-19 is still evolving
• New variants can appear unexpectedly
• Immunity (from vaccines or past infection) may not fully prevent reinfection

But it’s also important to keep perspective:

At this stage, the Cicada variant is being monitored—not feared.
Existing tools—vaccines, testing, and basic precautions—still provide strong protection against severe outcomes.

The Thing to Remember

The “Cicada” COVID-19 variant is a highly mutated Omicron subvariant with the potential to spread and partially evade immunity—but it has not yet proven to be more dangerous than previous strains.

Staying informed—not alarmed—is the best approach.