A New Variant of COVID-19 is Spreading Globally: How Dangerous Is It?

A new variant of COVID-19, identified as BA.3.2 and nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in 23 countries, according to the BBC Russian Service. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this version as a "variant under monitoring."

Experts are currently investigating whether it poses a significant threat to global healthcare systems. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in March that cases had been recorded across 25 states.

Research conducted in New York indicates that children may have a higher probability of infection compared to adults. Scientists attribute this to children's developing immune systems and the body's difficulty in recognizing the new strain.

British virologists state that the virus's mutations may hinder the immune system's ability to recognize it, potentially allowing it to bypass antibodies. Despite this, there is currently no definitive evidence that the "Cicada" strain causes more severe illness or produces unique symptoms.

The symptoms of the new variant include fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. While experts suggest that vaccine effectiveness might decrease, they emphasize that vaccination still helps ensure the disease remains mild.

The World Health Organization previously stated that the public health risk of this strain is low, noting that there is no data showing an increase in severe cases. Specialists warn that new strains will continue to emerge in the future and may cause periodic waves of infection.