Highly Mutated 'Cicada' COVID Variant Detected Across 25 States, Including Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) -- State health officials are keeping an eye on a highly mutated new COVID variant called B-A 3-dot-2, or “cicada.” Minnesota Department of Health Epidemiologist Keeley Morris
A new and highly mutated COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' has been detected in 25 states across the country, including Minnesota, prompting health officials to ramp up surveillance efforts.
The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed it is actively monitoring the spread of the new strain. State Epidemiologist Keeley Morris said health officials are taking the variant seriously given its high degree of mutation, which can affect how easily the virus spreads and how well existing immunity holds up against it.
The BA.3.2 variant's 'Cicada' nickname has drawn attention both within the scientific community and among the public, as officials work to better understand its characteristics and potential impact on ongoing public health efforts.
Health experts are urging residents to stay up to date on vaccinations and to remain vigilant about symptoms. While the full implications of the new variant are still being studied, authorities say early detection across multiple states underscores the importance of continued monitoring.
Officials have not yet indicated whether the Cicada variant leads to more severe illness than previous strains, but emphasized that surveillance data will be critical in determining the appropriate public health response in the weeks ahead.