New 'Cicada' Covid Variant with 75 Mutations Spreading in UK: Key Symptoms to Watch
Health officials have issued a critical warning about a new Covid-19 variant, known as the 'Cicada' variant with the technical name BA.3.2, which is now spreading across the United Kingdom and has been detected in 29 states in the United States. This variant, a descendant of the Omicron strain, possesses approximately 75 mutations that enable it to evade immunity more effectively, leading to concerns over its rapid transmission rates.
Understanding the Cicada Variant and Its Origins
The Cicada variant, initially identified in South Africa in 2024, appeared to vanish before re-emerging with significant genetic changes. According to Professor Ravi Gupta from Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, this variant likely developed its numerous mutations by incubating in a single patient with a weakened immune system, such as someone with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment, for over a year. This prolonged incubation period allowed the virus to evolve and enhance its ability to spread faster than other variants.
Professor Gupta, who served on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), stated, "This is different from the Covid-19 viruses we have been dealing with for the last two years. It has been found in the UK, has been increasing in prevalence, and I would expect it to become the dominant strain." The variant has now been identified in 23 countries worldwide, with surveillance efforts most advanced in the United States, where it has been detected in wastewater across multiple states.
Key Symptoms and Health Implications
While the Cicada variant does not appear to cause new or unusual symptoms compared to other Omicron variants, health experts emphasize the importance of recognizing its key signs. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively tracking the variant and regularly updates its symptom list based on emerging data. Potential symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Notably, Covid symptoms have shifted from the early pandemic focus on loss of taste and smell, with increased reports of gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. Current studies suggest that the Cicada variant is not more likely to result in severe disease than previous variants, but Professor Gupta warns that people may still experience an unpleasant illness. He added, "The problem with this is that it is an infection that spreads fast. Eventually, it ends up in someone who is vulnerable."
Increased Risk for Children and Vaccine Efficacy
Emerging evidence indicates that the Cicada variant may disproportionately affect children, a concern raised by leading microbiologists in the UK. Professor Gupta explained, "Some people have done analysis on this suggesting it may be more prevalent among young children. Children get infections all the time, but this might be something to do with the fact that they have never been exposed to Covid vaccines." Researchers are investigating this potential link in laboratory settings to understand why children might be at higher risk.
Regarding vaccination, specialists note that while current vaccines may be less effective against the Cicada variant due to its immune-evading mutations, immunization still provides substantial protection against severe Covid disease. Professor Gupta, who led research documenting the first evidence of immune escape for Covid-19, emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance and adaptation in public health strategies.
As the Cicada variant continues to spread, health authorities urge the public to remain aware of symptoms, seek testing if necessary, and consider vaccination to mitigate risks, especially for vulnerable populations and children.
