Omicron Subvarient BA.3.2 “Cicada”

Abstract

COVID-19 Cicada (SAR CoV-2, BA.3.2). This is a sub-strain of COVID that branched out from Omicron (BA.3). It was first detected in South Africa at the end of 2024. The proportion of global cases is low, only 1-2%. After 2 years of latent, mutated into BA.3.2 that spreads easier. Currently, COVID Cicada has been found in at least 23 countries around the world.. It accounts for up to 30  percent of all COVID cases. The World Health Organization has classified the virus as Variant Under Monitoring: VUM since last February.

The COVID Cicada is no evidence of increase severity. The symptoms of the Cicada  strain of COVID as a whole are still similar to other strains, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, Headache, very exhausted, Sneezing, Sore throat, coughing, Changes in smell or taste. However, the most common symptoms of lately are: Patients may experience severe sore throat, night sweats, and some have skin rashes.

Current generation vaccines may be less effective in preventing infection due to their high mutations, However, the original vaccine still provides good protection against severe symptoms and hospitalization. The risk group is still the elderly and people with underlying diseases, for example’ Diabetes, Heart disease, Lung diseases, Kidney disease, and people with low immunity.

Prevention can be done with standard hygiene, for example, social distancing 1-2 meters,  wearing masks in crowded places and frequent hand washing. Booster shots can still be useful in reducing the severity of the disease.