Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Cicada COVID Variant: Use Masks To Avoid Transmission, Say Experts

The emerging <span>COVID</span> variant, BA 3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” has revived memories of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted the world and raised fresh concerns about the possibility of severe illness.

The variant has been given the nickname “Cicada” due to its reappearance after remaining dormant or undetected for a long period, much like cicadas that emerge after years underground. 

With the variant already spread to 23 nations, as of February, experts are urging people to use masks to avoid transmission. 

<h2>What Is The <span rel="noindex">Cicada COVID Variant</span>? </h2>

Cicada was first identified in a respiratory sample in South Africa in November 2024. 

It is a descendant of the <span>Omicron</span> BA.3 lineage, and is genetically distinct from the previously circulating JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG). 

BA.3.2 comprises two major branches, BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2. BA.3.2.2 also has substitutions like: K356T, A575S, R681H, and R1162P. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). It means the variant may not be that dangerous yet, but it may have concerning mutations. 

As per the US CDC’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Cicada has “70 to 75 substitutions and deletions in the gene sequence of its spike protein”. 

Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, a doctor and healthcare strategy executive, writing in Forbes, stressed the need to follow COVID practices such as masks and hand hygiene.

"Healthcare professionals recommend taking general precautions, similar to those used to prevent most viral transmission: get vaccinations when appropriate, wear masks in crowded areas or indoors where there is a high risk of transmission," he said. 

He also urged “avoid individuals who have known illness or infections, wash hands frequently, and continue to stay apprised of local community guidelines and the infection spread”.

Cicada variant “is different from the (Covid-19) viruses we have been dealing with for the last two years," Prof Ravi Gupta, of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

<h2>Will The Cicada Variant Cause Severe Illness?</h2>

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the potential to turn deadly in people, especially among vulnerable populations such as those with a weak immune system.

The Cicada variant is particularly concerning as it provides no immune protection to people with previous infection or even vaccination. 

Yet, the World Health Organization and health experts advise that existing COVID vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

"It would appear that all the protections we have from our experience with the virus and with vaccines probably offer more limited—not zero—but more limited protection against this strain," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was quoted as saying by Time. 

<h2>Cicada Variant: Any New Symptoms? </h2>

The symptoms of Cicada aren't different from those of previous COVID variants. These include:

<ul><li>sore throat, </li><li>fever or chills, </li><li>headache, </li><li>cough, </li><li>body aches, </li><li>runny nose</li><li>nausea </li><li>diarrhea.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cicada-covid-variant-use-masks-to-avoid-transmission-say-experts

Cicada COVID variant

cicada covid variant ba 3 2

ba 3 2

COVID

Covid Mask

covid 19 vaccine

omicron

the-new-era-of-cardiac-care-how-advanced-transplant-techniques-are-saving-lives-in-india

The New Era of Cardiac Care: How Advanced Transplant Techniques are Saving Lives in India

olympic-legend-liz-mccollgan-warns-athletes-to-protect-skin-from-sun

Olympic Legend Liz McCollgan Warns Athletes To Protect Skin From Sun

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The emerging COVID variant, BA 3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” has revived memories of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted the world and raised fresh concerns about the possibility of severe illness. The variant has been given the nickname “Cicada” due to its reappearance after remaining dormant or undetected for a long period, much like cicadas that emerge after years underground. With the variant already spread to 23 nations, as of February, experts are urging people to use masks to avoid transmission.  What Is The Cicada COVID Variant?  Cicada was first identified in a respiratory sample in South Africa in November 2024.  It is a descendant of the Omicron BA.3 lineage, and is genetically distinct from the previously circulating JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG).  BA.3.2 comprises two major branches, BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2. BA.3.2.2 also has substitutions like: K356T, A575S, R681H, and R1162P.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). It means the variant may not be that dangerous yet, but it may have concerning mutations.  As per the US CDC’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Cicada has “70 to 75 substitutions and deletions in the gene sequence of its spike protein”.  Time To Mask Up Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, a doctor and healthcare strategy executive, writing in Forbes, stressed the need to follow COVID practices such as masks and hand hygiene. "Healthcare professionals recommend taking general precautions, similar to those used to prevent most viral transmission: get vaccinations when appropriate, wear masks in crowded areas or indoors where there is a high risk of transmission," he said. He also urged “avoid individuals who have known illness or infections, wash hands frequently, and continue to stay apprised of local community guidelines and the infection spread”. Cicada variant “is different from the (Covid-19) viruses we have been dealing with for the last two years," Prof Ravi Gupta, of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, was quoted as saying by The Mirror. Will The Cicada Variant Cause Severe Illness? The SARS-CoV-2 virus has the potential to turn deadly in people, especially among vulnerable populations such as those with a weak immune system. The Cicada variant is particularly concerning as it provides no immune protection to people with previous infection or even vaccination. Yet, the World Health Organization and health experts advise that existing COVID vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. "It would appear that all the protections we have from our experience with the virus and with vaccines probably offer more limited—not zero—but more limited protection against this strain," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was quoted as saying by Time. Cicada Variant: Any New Symptoms? The symptoms of Cicada aren't different from those of previous COVID variants. These include: sore throat, fever or chills, headache, cough, body aches, runny nosenausea diarrhea.

ba 3.2 cicada covid variant: use masks to avoid transmission, say experts

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Cicada COVID Variant: Use Masks To Avoid Transmission, Say Experts

Tpoxx Should No Longer Be Used For Treating Mpox: European Drug Regulator

Study Shows Ebola Virus May Persist In Breast Milk For Over 3 Months After Recovery

Meningitis claimed 259,000 lives globally in 2023: The Lancet

Health Conditions A-Z

Cicada COVID Variant: Use Masks To Avoid Transmission, Say Experts

The New Era of Cardiac Care: How Advanced Transplant Techniques are Saving Lives in India

Olympic Legend Liz McCollgan Warns Athletes To Protect Skin From Sun

Cicada COVID Variant: Use Masks To Avoid Transmission, Say Experts

​Tpoxx Should No Longer Be Used For Treating Mpox: European Drug Regulator

Study Shows Ebola Virus May Persist In Breast Milk For Over 3 Months After Recovery

Meningitis claimed 259,000 lives globally in 2023: The Lancet

Health Conditions A-Z

Cicada COVID Variant: Use Masks To Avoid Transmission, Say Experts

The New Era of Cardiac Care: How Advanced Transplant Techniques are Saving Lives in India

Olympic Legend Liz McCollgan Warns Athletes To Protect Skin From Sun

Tpoxx Should No Longer Be Used For Treating Mpox: European Drug Regulator