New Covid Variant ‘Cicada’ Emerges

Although Covid-19 circulation is currently low, the United States is beginning to monitor a new variant, BA.3.2, a branch of the Omicron family. This variant has been nicknamed “Cicada,” referencing the insect’s tendency to remain hidden for years before reappearing.

Increased Infections in Children

Analysis of data from New York City indicates that children are approximately five times more likely to be infected with BA.3.2 compared to other circulating variants. While the variant doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness in either children or adults, the shift in who is getting infected is noteworthy.

Why the Focus on Children?

Scientists are investigating why BA.3.2 seems to be affecting children more readily. Dr. Tulio de Oliveira, director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, believes children’s immune protection from vaccines and prior infections may wane more quickly. Ryan Hisner’s research supports this, showing a five-fold increase in infections among children aged 3-15.

Global Spread and Monitoring

The “Cicada” variant has been identified in 23 countries and detected in wastewater from 25 US states, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC began monitoring the variant in December 2024. Despite its presence, current testing levels are lower than during the peak of the pandemic, potentially underestimating its true prevalence.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Future Updates

Current Covid-19 vaccines are believed to still offer some protection against BA.3.2. Experts, including Dr. de Oliveira, suggest that the variant doesn’t currently warrant an update to the vaccines, especially given the lack of increased hospitalizations and deaths. He emphasized the importance of continued monitoring to ensure the virus doesn’t evolve into a more problematic form.

Variant Evolution and Characteristics

BA.3.2 first appeared in November 2024 and has undergone significant genetic changes. It has 53 changes to its spike protein compared to its parent virus, BA.3, and approximately 70 mutations compared to the original coronavirus strain from 2019. Despite these changes, it hasn’t demonstrated the global dominance seen in other variants.

Expert Perspectives

Dr. Alex Greninger, head of the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at the University of Washington, noted the variant’s slow progression. “It’s not a nothingburger, but it’s like adding grilled onions to your burger,” he said. Dr. Florian Krammer of Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine found that updated vaccines targeting the KP.2 strain performed well against BA.3.2.

The ‘Cicada’ Nickname

Scientists often assign nicknames to variants to make them more easily identifiable. Dr. T. Ryan Gregory, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Guelph, explained that a nickname is only useful if the variant shows potential for wider spread. The “Cicada” moniker was fitting due to the variant’s initial disappearance and subsequent re-emergence, mirroring the insect’s life cycle.