Scientists are monitoring a new, highly mutated variant of the coronavirus that has exhibited behavior different from its predecessors. The variant BA.3.2, which researchers have symbolically named “Cicada,” primarily infects children; however, according to existing data, it does not cause an increase in the severity of the disease.
Why was it named Cicada?
The name was chosen in honor of the insect known as “chichinobela” in Georgian. This insect has the ability to disappear underground and return to the surface years later. This strain of the virus (BA.3) was first recorded in 2022, after which it vanished. Scientists speculate that for two years, the virus was “hiding” within the body of a single individual with a weak immune system, undergoing mutations before finally reappearing in a transformed state.
Why are children infected more frequently?
Analysis of data from New York reveals that children are infected with “Cicada” five times more often than with other strains, as it spreads with particular efficiency among adolescents aged 3 to 15. Scientists suggest one reason for this is children’s relatively “sparse” immune history. Unlike adults, who have accumulated a diverse arsenal of antibodies through vaccination and prior infections with various variants, children’s immune systems have proven more vulnerable to this specific mutation.
Additionally, the virus has undergone specific genetic changes. The strain lacks parts of the genome that typically trigger an alarm signal in the body and activate the immune response. Due to this “invisible” nature, “Cicada” enters a child’s body more easily than other variants. However, it is important to note that despite its high transmissibility, medical observations show that this strain does not cause severe illness in either children or adults.
Is the threat of a new pandemic real?
Although “Cicada” has already been detected in 23 countries and 25 US states, experts categorize it as a “moderate” variant. According to experts, this variant has existed since November 2024, yet it has not achieved global dominance.
Specialists believe that existing vaccines still offer protection to the population. At this stage, there is no recorded increase in hospitalization or mortality rates, which is why a specific vaccine update for this variant is not considered necessary. The primary recommendation from scientists is to continue monitoring the virus to ensure its further evolution does not spiral out of control.
