Experts Warn of New COVID Variant 'Cicada' Impacting Children
New COVID Variant “Cicada” (BA.3.2) may be affecting children the most, experts say
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The COVID-19 subvariant BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' has emerged as a concern for global health experts, particularly affecting children aged 3 to 15. Initially identified in South Africa, it has spread to at least 23 countries and accounts for about 30% of COVID cases in parts of Europe.
- 01BA.3.2, or 'Cicada,' is a new COVID-19 subvariant first identified in South Africa.
- 02The variant shows a unique pattern of declining and resurging activity, similar to cicadas.
- 03It has been detected in at least 23 countries and 25 U.S. states through wastewater monitoring.
- 04Children aged 3 to 15 appear to be more susceptible to this variant compared to others.
- 05Current symptoms of BA.3.2 are similar to previous Omicron variants.
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The COVID-19 subvariant BA.3.2, informally known as 'Cicada,' is gaining attention from health experts due to its potential impact on children aged 3 to 15. Initially reported in South Africa in late 2024, this variant has re-emerged in various countries following a period of decline. While it currently accounts for about 30% of COVID cases in parts of Europe, it has not yet become the dominant strain in the United States, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively monitoring its spread. BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 23 countries and in wastewater samples across 25 U.S. states. Symptoms reported are largely consistent with previous Omicron variants, including cough, fatigue, fever, and body aches. Notably, Dr. Tulio de Oliveira, a leading researcher at the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation, has highlighted that children may be significantly more likely to contract this variant compared to others, raising concerns about its transmission patterns.
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The emergence of the BA.3.2 variant may lead to increased COVID-19 cases among children, impacting schools and healthcare resources.
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