new challenge of coronavirus
Coronavirus is once again in the news. Recently, a new variant of COVID-19, named BA.3.2, has emerged. Scientists generally know it by the name of ‘Cicada’. Let us get detailed information about this new variant:
Reason for naming cicada
This new variant is related to an earlier lineage of Omicron (BA.3), which was almost extinct in early 2022. However, after a long time, this variant has suddenly appeared again. It is named ‘Cicada’ because it is like an insect that hides under the ground for years and then suddenly comes out.
Origin of new variants
This variant was first seen in South Africa in late 2024, but is now spreading rapidly in many countries including the US, Europe and Australia.
Cicada variant concerns
Scientists are alert about this new virus because many mutations have occurred in it. Specifically, its external structure, i.e. the spike protein, has seen more than 50 mutations compared to its previous forms, and more than 70 mutations compared to the original ‘Wuhan virus’.
Therefore, this variant remains a matter of concern for three main reasons:
1. Avoiding Immunity: It is capable of evading our body’s immune system or dodging the protective effects of the vaccine.
2. Spread rapidly: It has the potential to spread more rapidly than previous variants.
3. New Behavior: Some new biological changes may be seen in the way the virus works.
Should we worry?
For now, there is no need to panic. Early research suggests that although it may spread rapidly, there is no evidence yet to show that it is more dangerous or deadlier than previous Omicron variants. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a “variant under surveillance” (VUM) in December 2025.
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