New Covid strain ‘Cicada’ identified and it’s raising vaccine concerns

A new COVID-19 variant is beginning to cut through the noise of the viral landscape, and public health experts are officially on high alert. To the scientific community, it is known as BA.3.2, but it has already earned a more evocative—and slightly ominous—moniker in the headlines: “Cicada.” The nickname isn’t just for show; it describes the very nature of how this strain behaves.

As this new iteration of the virus gains traction, researchers are zeroing in on its unique genetic architecture. The primary cause for concern lies in the variant’s spike protein, which has undergone a radical transformation compared to the strains currently in global circulation.

“Perhaps more concerning is the variant’s slew of genetic changes in its spike protein, which set it apart from other variants circulating,” explained Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, during a recent interview with TODAY.

The Evolutionary Leap

It is common knowledge that the virus responsible for COVID-19 is a moving target, constantly mutating as it moves through the population. While most emerging variants are minor iterations of their predecessors, experts suggest that BA.3.2 is an outlier. Unlike its peers, which often share a similar genetic backbone, this strain stands out as a distinct evolutionary departure.

Why “Cicada”?

The “Cicada” label refers to the variant’s unusual trajectory. Much like its namesake insect—which spends years dormant underground before suddenly emerging in massive numbers—scientists believe this virus followed a similar path.

First detected in South Africa in 2024, the strain appeared to go quiet for an extended period, leading many to believe it had fizzled out. However, it has recently made a sudden and widespread comeback. To date, it has been identified in more than 20 countries, and according to the CDC, it is currently circulating in at least 25 U.S. states.

The biological reason for the “Cicada” comparison is found in its staggering mutation profile. Scientists have identified approximately 70 to 75 changes in the spike protein alone. This level of genetic drift is significant; such a high number of mutations could potentially make the virus more transmissible and, more worryingly, better at bypassing existing immunity from previous infections.

The Silver Lining

Despite the unsettling genetic profile of BA.3.2, there is a glimmer of hope. Medical experts maintain that current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to hold the line against the most severe outcomes. While the variant may be more adept at spreading, there is currently no evidence to suggest it causes more dangerous or lethal illness than previous iterations.

The Global Outlook

As of this moment, the BA.3.2 strain represents only a small fraction of the total global case count. However, the data coming out of Europe tells a more urgent story, where the variant has already claimed a significant share of new infections in certain regions.

It remains too early for health officials to determine if the “Cicada” will become the next dominant global strain, but for now, the scientific community is watching the “underground” arrival of BA.3.2 with a very close eye.