New ‘Cicada’ COVID variant is spreading in the U.S.—here’s what to know

A new COVID variant called “Cicada” (BA.3.2) is spreading in the U.S. after being first detected in South Africa in November 2024. This variant is concerning because it has many mutations that might help it evade immunity from vaccines or past infections. Although it has been found in 23 countries, it currently makes up less than 0.2% of U.S. COVID cases. The CDC’s report highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring to understand how well vaccines and treatments work against it. Despite the emergence of new variants, COVID still caused significant hospitalizations and deaths in recent years. Understanding and tracking these variants is crucial to managing the virus’s impact. QUESTION: How might the emergence of new COVID variants like Cicada influence future public health strategies and personal decisions about vaccination?