Should You Be Worried About The New COVID Variant That Is Rapidly Spreading?

A new variant of COVID, named BA.3.2 or the “Cicada” variant, is spreading rapidly worldwide. According to experts, this variant contains a highly mutated genetic composition compared to the original, raising concerns among scientists and epidemiologists that it could evade immunity from prior vaccinations or infection. As of last month, infections by the new variant were detected across nearly 23 countries and have continued to spread due to travel and global cross-contamination. Assuredly, the original COVID variant devastated the global landscape in 2020, accounting for millions of deaths around the world. Since then, through herd immunity, vaccination efforts and infection-led immunity, mortality due to the disease has decreased significantly; nevertheless, the virus still accounted for approximately 390,000 to 550,000 hospitalizations and 45,000 to 64,000 deaths during the 2024 respiratory virus season, indicating that it is still capable of causing very severe illness.

A heatmap has been designed to show where this new virus has been mainly impacting communities; using wastewater data, it shows the following incidence counts: “California (two), Connecticut (six), Florida (two), Hawaii (two), Idaho (one), Illinois (one), Maine (19), Maryland (six), Massachusetts (nine), Missouri (one), Nevada (one), New Hampshire (17), New Jersey (three), New York (seven), Pennsylvania (four), Rhode Island (27), South Carolina (one), Texas (one), Utah (three), Vermont (one), Virginia (one) and Wyoming (two).”

Although these numbers indicate a relatively low rate of incidence at this point in the United States, some disease experts are concerned that this could be the start of a new wave of infections that will spread rapidly. Data is being collected currently to determine whether the new strain may have higher rates of transmission, is indeed more resistant against prior immunity, causes more significant or serious mortality or chronic health effects, or exacerbates existing underlying conditions. Nevertheless, per the CDC, the symptoms remain similar to the original virus: patients may commonly experience cough, fatigue, fever and body aches, with more serious cases leading to brain fog, shortness of breath, respiratory distress or failure and more devastating long term effects.

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What can people do to protect themselves?

General precautions, similar to those used to prevent most viral transmission, are currently being recommended: get vaccinations where appropriate, wear masks in crowded areas or indoors where there is a high risk of transmission, avoid individuals that have known illness or infections, continue hand hygiene and continue to stay apprised of local community guidelines and spread of infection. Individuals that are immunocompromised or are in particularly vulnerable health states (e.g., have chronic health issues, are being treated with immunpsuppressing medications, have severe metabolic syndrome, etc.) should also pay special attention as they may be more susceptible to viral transmission and more devastating impacts from the virus than others. Finally, the most important aspect is to remain vigilant and pursue a higher level of medical care when appropriate. Often, viral illnesses can present with mild symptoms before escalating rapidly. Therefore, individuals should not hesitate to seek medical care or attention if they have any concerns, face serious symptoms or are at risk of contracting severe illness.

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