A new COVID-19 variant, dubbed "Cicada", is causing concern as cases surface across multiple countries.
Officially known as BA.3.2, the strain has been closely tracked by agencies due to its unusually high number of mutations and potential to spread further.
Experts say the nickname "Cicada" is because the variant remained largely "underground" for months before re-emerging, similar to cicada insects that stay dormant for years.
The variant is described as "highly mutated", with roughly 70-75 mutations that distinguish it from dominant recent strains linked to the JN.1 lineage.
Existing vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection, although they are still expected to protect against severe illness.
The CDC has detected BA.3.2 in wastewater samples across at least 25 US states, indicating a broad but still relatively low-level presence.
Public health guidance remains unchanged, with the CDC advising those who test positive to isolate, wear high-quality masks, and monitor symptoms.
