US EditionSolution Seeking: CDC Monitoring COVID-19 "Cicada" Variant Found in U.S. This Year
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking the highly mutated COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," as cases rise across at least 29 states.
- First identified in South Africa in November 2024, the variant possesses around 75 spike protein mutations that scientists believe developed during prolonged incubation in an immunocompromised patient.
- Symptoms mirror standard COVID-19 signs, including fever, cough, and "Razor blade" sore throat, with emerging evidence suggesting the strain may disproportionately affect children who lack prior vaccine exposure.
- The World Health Organisation classifies the strain as posing "low additional public health risk," though specialists note current vaccines may offer reduced effectiveness against the mutated variant.
- Health officials recommend booster doses for eligible individuals as the virus continues to evolve, with experts anticipating the variant could feature in upcoming winter waves.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Public health official details new COVID-19 variant that's been found in Ontario
Health experts are closely monitoring a new variant of COVID-19, roughly six years after the highly infectious disease ground the world to a halt in March 2020. Here are some things to know about the new strain, dubbed Cicada.
The Global Network of Virus (GVN), which collects prominent virologists from more than 90 centres in more than 40 countries, is monitoring the new BA 3.2 version of SARS-CoV-2, Covid's virus caused by “Cicada”. Although it is recognized that the liver has a greater escape from the defenses of the organism, the group claims that the current evidence does not indicate cause for alarm or greater concern. “Initial analysis, including technical evalu…
New Covid variant with 75 mutations spreading in UK - key symptoms to watch
The Cicada variant - technical name BA.3.2 - is a descendant of Omicron with 75 mutations that appears to spread faster than other variants and has been detected in the UK and 29 US states
COVID-19 strain sweeping the US set to become a 'feature' of Aussie winter wave
Health experts are alert to a highly mutated COVID-19 variant that has swept the US and may become a common strain as Australia moves into winter.The BA.3.2 strain, nicknamed cicada, has spread across at least 25 states in the US during a bitterly cold winter wave and has also been detected in two dozen other countries, including Australia.Here's everything to know about COVID BA.3.2 (cicada).What is the COVID Cicada variant (BA.3.2)?The COVID …
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