Cicada Covid Variant: Staying Informed About Emerging Threats

While spring is in the air, it’s crucial to remember that virus season isn’t over. Alongside the usual suspects like influenza and RSV, a new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Cicada” (BA.3.2), is currently circulating in the United States. This, combined with a particularly unpleasant stomach bug, is leaving many Americans feeling under the weather. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures is more important than ever.

What is the ‘Cicada’ Variant (BA.3.2)?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected the heavily mutated BA.3.2 variant in wastewater and nasal swabs across 25 states. Experts are monitoring this variant closely due to its unique spike protein mutations, which raise concerns about its ability to evade immunity from previous infections or booster shots. While currently representing only 0.55% of sequenced COVID-19 viruses as of mid-March, its immunological distinctiveness warrants attention.

Dr. Greeta Sood, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, explains, “This variant is very immunologically distinct compared to previous variants, and whenever that happens, there always is a risk that due to the fact that we have less immunity to this organism, so it could cause a spike in cases.”

Symptoms: A Confusing Mix

One of the biggest challenges this season is the similarity in symptoms across different respiratory viruses. Sniffles, cough, muscle aches, and fever are common to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, making self-diagnosis difficult. Doctors strongly recommend testing to determine the specific virus causing your illness.

Notably, the classic COVID-19 symptoms of loss of taste and smell are less prevalent now. As Dr. Sood notes, “We also can’t really predict, like before, what someone has based on what is circulating. It could be Covid, it could be influenza, and now we have added the prolonged RSV to the mix.”

Beyond COVID-19: Flu, RSV, and Norovirus

Influenza A, particularly the H3N2 subclade K variant, caused a significant surge in cases at the end of last year. While the flu season hasn’t been as severe as last year’s record-breaking one, it remains a concern. As of this season, the CDC has recorded 115 pediatric influenza deaths.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to circulate at moderate levels, particularly in states like Michigan, Nebraska, and Vermont. RSV can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.

Don’t forget about Norovirus! This highly contagious gastrointestinal virus, often called the “two-bucket disease” due to its symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, is also making the rounds. While cases are currently lower than last year’s unusually high numbers, it remains a source of illness.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

• Get Tested: If you experience symptoms, get tested to determine the specific virus.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local wastewater data to understand which viruses are prevalent in your community. Resources like WastewaterSCAN can provide valuable insights.
• Consider Boosters: The CDC recommends updated COVID-19 boosters, especially for those at high risk of complications.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.

Looking Ahead

While COVID-19 cases are currently at low levels overall, with some fluctuations in states like Florida and Massachusetts, it’s too early to predict whether the BA.3.2 variant will cause a significant surge. Experts emphasize the importance of continued monitoring and vigilance.

As Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, states, “Covid still hasn’t fallen into a predictable pattern… We don’t see any concerning trends for Covid right now.”

Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions will help you navigate this ongoing respiratory illness season and protect your health.