COVID's 'Cicada' Variant: A New Virus with Milder Symptoms, Experts Explain
You may have noticed the term "cicada" appearing alongside COVID-19 discussions recently. While it might sound peculiar and unrelated, this nickname is being used online to describe a newer sub-lineage of the COVID-19 virus. This variant is often associated with BA.3.2-type mutations within the broader Omicron variant family.
Although the name is catchy, the scientific community is closely monitoring it rather than fearing it. Global health agencies, including the World Health Organization, and tracking platforms like GISAID, are keeping a watchful eye on emerging subvariants, including those informally referred to as "cicada." Early indications suggest it behaves similarly to other recent Omicron offshoots—highly transmissible but not necessarily more severe for most individuals.
What Makes the 'Cicada' Variant Different?
Dr. Mahesh Kumar J M, Lead Consultant in Internal Medicine at KIMS Hospitals Bengaluru, provided insights to TOI Health. He explained, "The BA.3.2 is actually a hyper-mutated variant, with around 75 mutations compared to previous Omicron variants. This makes it a totally different new virus. These mutations enable the virus to escape our immune system more effectively."
He further elaborated that due to these numerous mutations, existing vaccines may offer reduced protection. "Despite taking precautions like wearing masks, the virus can still enter the body and cause infection. However, the most crucial point is that it leads to very mild symptoms compared to earlier COVID variants," Dr. Mahesh added.
Symptoms and Severity of the BA.3.2 Variant
Are the symptoms of BA.3.2 different from what we have experienced before? Dr. Mahesh highlighted a significant shift: "Previous Omicron and COVID variants typically caused respiratory tract infections affecting the lungs, leading to cough, breathing difficulties, and pneumonia. In contrast, BA.3.2 primarily results in a stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and throat congestion."
He described the symptom profile in detail: "Patients may experience a feverish feeling, body pain similar to other viral fevers, and symptoms like weakness and tiredness lasting 5 to 7 days. Importantly, it does not cause serious pneumonia. Individuals might seek basic outpatient care, but hospital admissions, ICU stays, or fatalities are not expected. The symptoms are manageable with simple medications and home remedies."
Transmission and Public Health Implications
What else should people be concerned about? Dr. Mahesh emphasized that while the newer variant is essentially a new virus due to its many mutations, its impact is less severe. "Even though it's a new virus, the symptoms are very mild, and it can infect people easily. In crowded settings like Bangalore's metros, public transport, markets, or malls, the infection spreads rapidly from person to person," he noted.
However, he reassured that the variant is self-limiting: "It causes symptoms such as fever and throat pain for four to five days but does not require antibiotics or antivirals. It resolves on its own, provided people are educated that it's a simple variant."
This article incorporates expert inputs from Dr. Mahesh Kumar J M, shared with TOI Health, to elucidate the nature and transmission of the new COVID variant, informally known as 'cicada.'
