The new COVID-19 strain, named “Cicada,” is spreading and raising concerns. On social media, several individuals claiming to have had it shared harrowing details about the symptoms they had.
The new Covid-19 strain, called BA.3.2 or “Cicada,” is attracting closer attention. One reason is the many changes in the variant’s spike protein, which make it different from other versions now spreading.
“Perhaps more concerning is the variant’s slew of genetic changes in its spike protein, which set it apart from other variants circulating,” Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said in an interview with TODAY.
The virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing as it spreads. This is normal and leads to the emergence of new variants over time. Most variants today are very similar to each other, with only minor differences. But according to experts, BA.3.2 is not like the others — it clearly stands out.
Scientists report that this variant was first identified in South Africa in 2024, but it remained largely unnoticed for an extended period before reemerging.
It has now been detected in over 20 countries worldwide. According to the CDC, it is currently circulating in at least 25 U.S. states.
“Cicada” COVID strain causes concern
The variant’s name is inspired by the cicada—an insect known for staying underground for years before suddenly resurfacing. Experts say the virus shows a similar pattern.
This variant carries a high number of mutations, with roughly 70-75 changes in its spike protein. These mutations may make it more transmissible and better able to evade immune defenses.
There is some reassuring news, though. Specialists believe that existing COVID vaccines continue to offer protection against severe illness. So even if the variant spreads widely, it may not necessarily lead to more serious outcomes.
Symptoms include cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath, congestion, and sore throat. Moreover, those infected can feel a loss of smell or taste, headache, fatigue, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Speaking with The Conversation, Kyle B. Enfield, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia, explained that the mutations make it more difficult for our immune systems to detect.
People with the “Cicada” Covid share brutal symptoms
Professor Enfield stressed that ‘even though it’s spreading quickly, there’s no indication that it’s any more dangerous or that it causes more severe disease’ than other variants.
“If you feel unwell, stay home – not just to take care of yourself, but to prevent spreading disease,” he said. “Especially given that current vaccines may not be as effective against it, protection remains important.”
On social media, several users who claim to have been affected by the new COVID-19 strain have shared their harrowing experiences.
Per Tyla, one Redditor warned, “Guys really be careful. I had the worst fever for 2 days it was 104 fever I couldn’t get out of bed. It is extremely contagious!”
A second said, “I’m just now getting over it. Felt like I was dying for three weeks. It sucked.”
Suffered badly
A third user explained that they still suffered badly. However, not as much as they might have because they had been vaccinated:
“Got a vaccine a little over a month ago. Seemed to get this travelling cross country. About a week of symptoms, give or take with the worst peaking day 3-4 and then slowly tapering off each passing day. Brain fog lingered the longest but slightly better by day 7-8. My doc said I was lucky I didn’t have the flu,” the person wrote on Reddit.
A fourth person added, “I am so tired of everyone pretending COVID is no big deal anymore, and not mentioning long covid.”
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