- A new Covid variant, BA.3.2, is spreading across the US and may be able to evade protection from current vaccines.
- Symptoms of the Cicada variant are the same as those of other Covid infections: runny or stuffy nose, fever, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore or “razor blade” throat, cough, muscle pain or body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes to the sense of smell or taste.
- First detected in South Africa in 2024 and the US in June 2025, the variant has been identified in clinical samples, traveller swabs, and wastewater across over 20 states.
- Researchers indicate that the 2025–2026 LP.8.1-adapted mRNA Covid-19 vaccine demonstrated the lowest antibody neutralisation against BA.3.2 compared to other variants.
- While BA.3.2 is not yet dominant and detected cases have not shown increased severity, scientists stress the importance of monitoring and adapting responses as the virus continues to mutate.
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