(WKYT) – A different variant of COVID-19 is spreading throughout the country.
The variant is called BA.3.2 but has been nicknamed Cicada.
“It’s been around for a while and it’s been quote ‘underground like cicadas’ and then all of a sudden they pop up and it’s everywhere,” said Dr. Jeff Foxx, a retired family physician.
According to the CDC, the Cicada variant was first detected in South Africa in November 2024 and began to increase in September 2025. They said it has now been reported in 23 countries since Feb. 11.
“It’s mutated so it’s not quite the same as the others, but has similar characteristics to the prior ones,” Foxx said.
Foxx said it is not yet known how contagious the variant is, but the mutation might make vaccinations less effective for some people.
“The structure has changed a little bit, but practically, I’m not sure we’re seeing a whole lot of difference right now. Only time’s going to tell us that for certain because this is still fairly early. But we at this point in time, think that you’re still going to get some benefit from vaccines. Maybe not as much as the prior ones,” Foxx said.
Health professionals said children are the most at risk for this new strain, but the elderly and immune compromised are also vulnerable.
“Number one, get tested. If you’re at risk, you can still wear a mask to protect yourself, wash your hands, avoid crowds,” Foxx said.
The CDC reports the variant has been found in at least 25 states, including Kentucky.
“It really doesn’t matter, whether it’s this COVID again or a new COVID, they’re all infectious. They’re all still a real disease and people need to pay attention,” Foxx said.
Foxx said it is too early to know how much the Cicada variant will continue to spread, but it is common to see a spike in COVID in both the winter and summer.
Symptoms to look for include sore throat, cough, fever and shortness of breath.