New COVID Variant 'Cicada' Raises Concerns as It Spreads Globally

The emergence of the new COVID variant 'Cicada' has raised concerns as it spreads to 23 countries, including the UK. This variant may evade immunity from previous infections and vaccinations, prompting health experts to recommend vaccinations for vulnerable populations. With around 75 mutations, the Cicada variant poses a unique challenge to public health. Experts are urging caution, especially for children, as the situation develops. This article explores the implications of this new variant and the potential need for renewed public health measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 4, 2026, 18:13 IST

Resurgence of COVID-19 with the 'Cicada' Variant

The coronavirus, which caused global disruptions from 2020 to 2023, is now making a comeback with a new variant known as BA.3.2, or 'Cicada.' A report released on March 28 highlighted that this variant has shown a capacity for rapid transmission and may infect individuals who have previously gained immunity through vaccinations or past infections.

Recent updates reveal that this variant has already been detected in 23 countries, including the UK. Although local reports have not specified the number of infections, health experts are sounding alarms, considering the situation alarming.

Essentially, while the virus remains unchanged, its behavior has slightly shifted. Given the potential dangers associated with this variant, health authorities are once again recommending vaccinations for those with weakened immune systems.

Could this new variant lead to another surge in infections? Will mask mandates and vaccinations become necessary again? Let's delve deeper into these questions.

Cicada Variant's Ability to Evade Immunity

This New Variant Has the Ability to Evade Immunity

Due to the rapid spread of the Cicada variant and its unique characteristics, officials have warned that it might soon become the predominant strain in the UK. Experts are advocating for the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccinations in preschool immunization schedules.

Currently, this variant has been reported in 23 countries, including the UK.

Experts express concern that the mutations present in this variant could allow it to bypass the immunity provided by existing vaccines.

While its symptoms are similar to those of the original virus, there are worries that it may pose a greater risk to school-aged children.

So far, individuals infected with this variant have shown familiar symptoms such as fatigue, fever, body aches, and sore throat. Experts are raising alarms about the risks to children.

Professor Stephen Griffin, a viral oncologist at the University of Leeds, points out that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has shown a "lack of foresight" by making vaccinations for children optional.

At this point, the virus does not seem to be causing a rapid surge in cases, progressing at a slow pace similar to last year. However, a higher infection rate increases the chances of mutations occurring.

These mutations could lead to changes in the virus that might introduce new complications.

During previous waves, the risks of reinfection and 'Long Covid' in children were not sufficiently addressed. It's crucial to remember that many individuals still lack the protection that vaccination offers. Given that this virus has shown the ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity, the potential threat could be even more significant.

A Variant with Numerous Mutations: Urgent Calls for Vaccination

A Virus with 75 Mutations: Renewed Calls for Vaccination

Initial studies suggest that this variant's spike protein has accumulated around 75 mutations, presenting a new challenge to the immune system.

Professor Paul Hunter, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, notes that this does not necessarily mean there will be an increase in severe illness or mortality rates.

The emergence of a new variant is not unexpected. The pressing question remains whether this variant poses a significant public health threat. While it is likely that any new variant that spreads more quickly than its predecessors will lead to increased infections, this does not automatically indicate...