By John Q. Hosedrinker BA.3.2, informally known as “Cicada,” is a subvariant of the Omicron family of COVID-19 currently under monitoring by the World Health Organization. While detected in over a dozen countries, it has not been classified as a variant of concern and represents less than 5% of recent submitted sequences, indicating a limited global share. Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are primarily upper respiratory and consistent with other recent COVID variants, such as sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue.
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It appears there’s some buzz, or perhaps more accurately, a hum, about a new, highly mutated COVID-19 variant making its way through the United States, with some folks referring to it as “Cicada.” The important thing to note right off the bat is that, according to current classifications, it’s not being labeled a “variant of concern.” This means health authorities haven’t identified it as being significantly more dangerous than the strains we’ve been dealing with.
Symptoms seem to be aligning with what we’ve seen in other recent COVID variants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory system. Think along the lines of a sore throat, runny nose, and general fatigue. For some, this might translate into a particularly unpleasant “razor throat,” which, if you’ve experienced it, you know is no fun at all. This has led to a bit of lightheartedness, with folks joking about stocking up on throat lozenges and even imagining a meeting where COVID variants decide on their next mutation and symptoms.
It’s interesting to consider how many different things might be circulating that we’re not entirely aware of, especially when some people are experiencing prolonged bouts of illness with negative tests for everything. This “Cicada” variant, or perhaps a variation of it, seems to have made its rounds in certain areas, causing illnesses that, while not necessarily severe, can be quite long-lasting. Some individuals have described symptoms like a persistent cough and fever running through schools, though it’s often initially attributed to other common respiratory illnesses like RSV.
The naming convention of these variants has also sparked some commentary, with comparisons drawn to drug names or even the macOS naming system. Regardless of the label, the sentiment is that this feels like another development in an already challenging global health landscape, particularly for those who feel the response from governing bodies has been lacking.
From a scientific perspective, it’s noted that this type of viral mutation is a natural part of virology. Variants emerge, and some become more prevalent over time. The current data suggests that while “Cicada” might be increasing in circulation, it’s not causing widespread severe illness. For instance, one report points to a variant making up a small percentage of cases in Japan, and the World Health Organization has classified the relevant strain, BA.3.2, as a “variant under monitoring,” which is their lowest tier. Crucially, there’s no confirmed evidence yet of increased severity or immune evasion.
Despite the current classification, the emergence of new variants understandably brings back anxieties for many. Some individuals who have had COVID-19 previously, even after vaccination and boosters, are reporting that this current iteration is hitting them hard, with symptoms like severe coughing fits and body aches. This underscores that even if a variant isn’t officially a “variant of concern,” it can still significantly impact individuals and their families. The confusion and concern are amplified when symptoms are dismissed as allergies when they feel far more severe and persistent.
There’s also a layer of frustration and a desire for clear, trustworthy information, especially when people feel let down by current public health leadership. Questions arise about the effectiveness of over-the-counter tests in detecting newer variants and where to find reliable guidance amidst a sea of information and misinformation. The cyclical nature of these outbreaks, often coinciding with broader societal shifts or political events, is not lost on some observers, leading to a sense of weariness and a desire for a break from the constant stream of global crises.
Some have described their recent experiences with symptoms like a runny nose that feels like a “broken faucet,” fever, and temporary loss of taste and smell, though thankfully, for some, these symptoms have been relatively short-lived. Others, however, are recalling more prolonged and debilitating experiences, reminiscent of earlier waves of the pandemic, with significant fatigue being a particularly troublesome symptom. The overarching feeling is one of wanting this prolonged period of illness and uncertainty to finally come to an end.
Looking ahead, the hope is for continued monitoring and transparent communication from health authorities. The focus remains on understanding the true impact of this “Cicada” variant as more data becomes available, while acknowledging the understandable concern and fatigue that such news can generate. The commitment to staying informed and adaptable remains key as we navigate the ongoing evolution of COVID-19.