Highly mutated BA.3.2 strain spreads rapidly, especially among unvaccinated children, raising concerns over immune evasion and potential new wave.

A new Covid-19 variant, nicknamed “Cicada”, is spreading rapidly in the UK and is expected to become the dominant strain, scientists warn. The BA.3.2 variant, a descendant of Omicron, carries around 75 mutations in its spike protein, making it more capable of evading immunity from previous infections and vaccines.

The strain, first detected in South Africa in 2024, has now reached the UK and 23 countries worldwide, with evidence of circulation in wastewater across 29 US states. Experts say it could particularly affect children with no prior immunity, potentially triggering a new wave of infections.

Prof Ravi Gupta of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, explained that Cicada likely evolved over a prolonged period in an immunocompromised patient, allowing it to accumulate multiple mutations. “It is different from the viruses we’ve seen over the past two years,” Gupta said.

Healthcare professionals, including Dr Sai Balasubramanian, are urging the public to mask up in crowded indoor spaces, maintain hand hygiene, and stay informed about local Covid guidance. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, are at higher risk of severe disease, although vaccines continue to provide protection against serious outcomes.

Symptoms of Cicada resemble previous variants—sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, and fever—but some patients also experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. While the variant spreads quickly, there is no evidence yet that it causes more severe disease.

The NHS recommends that high-risk individuals consider receiving a booster, available in spring and early winter. Covid boosters are also offered privately, costing between £75–£100.

With infections already reported in Europe, the US, and the UK, experts warn that public vigilance remains essential to prevent a surge in cases as the Cicada variant spreads.