NEW DELHI / GENEVA — A newly identified COVID-19 subvariant, informally dubbed the “Cicada variant” (BA.3.2), is drawing global attention as health experts flag a subtle but notable shift in its infection patterns, particularly among children aged 3 to 15 years.
The “Cicada” Comeback
The nickname “Cicada” refers to the variant’s unusual evolutionary path. Descending from the older BA.3 lineage that largely disappeared in 2022, BA.3.2 emerged quietly in South Africa in late 2024 before resurfacing globally in early 2026—mirroring the dormant-to-active life cycle of the cicada insect. As of April 2026, it has been detected in at least 23 countries, including parts of Europe, the US, and Australia.
Why Children Are at Higher Risk
Early signals from the UK and wastewater data from 25 US states suggest that children are currently more susceptible to BA.3.2 than adults.
- Five-Fold Vulnerability: Some reports indicate children may be five times more likely to get infected than adults due to their developing immune systems and lower levels of prior exposure.
- Immune Evasion: With 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, the variant is highly “genetically distinct,” allowing it to partially bypass antibodies from earlier vaccinations or infections.
- School Settings: Increased exposure in schools and shared environments is also cited as a primary driver for the rise in paediatric cases.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM), it does not currently appear to cause more severe disease than previous Omicron strains. However, patients have reported a few specific indicators:
- “Razorblade Throat”: An exceptionally painful, severe sore throat is a hallmark of this variant.
- Standard Symptoms: Fever, dry cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, and body aches.
- Less Common: Loss of taste or smell is occurring less frequently than with original strains.
Safety Tips for Families
Health authorities like the CDC and ICMR advise maintaining standard hygiene protocols to mitigate risk:
- Boosters: Stay updated with the latest bivalent or adapted mRNA vaccine formulations.
- Masking: Use high-filtration masks (N95/KF94) in crowded indoor public spaces.
- Ventilation: Ensure classrooms and bedrooms are well-ventilated with fresh air.
- Testing: Since symptoms mimic the flu or RSV, testing is the only way to confirm a BA.3.2 infection.
