Cicada – a new Covid strain

Scientists say it was first found in South Africa in 2024, but it stayed quiet for a long time. Then suddenly, it came back.

Now, it has been found in more than 20 countries worldwide. Per the CDC, it’s circulating in at least 25 U.S. states.

The name comes from the insect cicada. Cicadas can stay underground for years before suddenly appearing again. Experts say this virus is similar. Scientists say this variant has many mutations — around 70 to 75 changes in the spike protein. That itself could make it easier to spread, and it could make the strain better at avoiding immunity.

However, there is also some good news. Experts believe current COVID vaccines still protect against serious illness. So even if the virus spreads, it may not be more dangerous.

As of now, the BA. 3.2 Strain is still a small part of total COVID cases. But in some parts of Europe, it has already made up a large share of infections. However, it’s still too early to say whether the “cicada” will become the next dominant strain.