Educating your patients about the Cicada variant of COVID19
Recently, I was told that my elevated blood pressure was the result of Long COVID from having COVID last December. I was relieved to hear that the problem should be resolved over several months.
So, when I read there was a new variant of COVID, I was particularly concerned. I discovered that clinicians should be interested in this new variant because of its unique infectivity and the potential for more severe symptoms in specific populations.
One way that the authorities keep track of the various strains of COVID is by monitoring their presence in wastewater. Since June 2025, wastewater samples in 132 locations across at least 25 states have detected a new Omicron-related subvariant of Covid-19 called Cicada. #_ftn1Like the insect cicada, it reemerged after a dormant period.
“The BA3.2 variant has around 70-75 mutations in the genetic sequence of its spike protein ( the protein virus uses to infect cells) relative to the strains that were included in last fall’s COVID vaccines: the Cicada variant was able to evade antibodies, ‘highlight the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and observational evaluations for vaccine and antiviral effectiveness’, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report’s authors write.#_ftn2
Cicada infection presents with symptoms that clinically overlap with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV—a common cause of respiratory tract infections), allergies, and other viral illnesses. Definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing, as clinical differentiation is unreliable, according to the National Broadcasting Company at nbcnews.com.
Current evidence indicates that symptomatology remains similar to existing COVID-19 variants, with no notable increase in severity or unusual manifestations reported at this time. Symptoms reported include rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, sneezing, pharyngitis, cough, and altered taste or smell. Some individuals described severe pharyngitis, referred to as ‘razorblade throat.’
It appears to spread easily, especially among children. CDC does not believe it causes more severe illness overall than other types of COVID-19. However, as with other types of COVID-19, it can be more serious in older adults or in people with weakened immune systems or significant health problems.
Asymptomatic infection is possible, and individuals without symptoms may facilitate transmission.
As a clinician, you may encounter young people with non-specific symptoms that look like other illnesses but may be the Cicada variant of COVID. COVID could be easily overlooked, then put older patients who come into contact with them at risk. On other occasions, you may see grandparents who visit or live with potentially infectious young people. Educating your older patients about this heightened risk may help them anticipate when to mask when needed.
You may be treating patients who have lowered immunity because they have cancer, are taking chemotherapy, or other medications that lower immunity.
School children are in groups of potentially infected people. You may have patients who work with children in their roles in schools, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and after-school programs, to name just a few situations.
Patients in those situations most need to know about Cicada COVID. They may want to wear N95 masks selectively and increase their handwashing. Like with patients who have had the earlier strains of COVID, people who have the Cicada variant of COVID need to follow the COVID guidelines about isolation. They should also be aware of symptoms of increasing severity, like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or low oxygen levels.
It will be important to keep track of developments as we approach the summer and more becomes known. I will watch for updates to pass along.
Take care,
Jeff
#_ftnref1 CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report March 19,2026
#_ftnref2 [2] New Cicada COVID variant is spreading in the US. Here is what you need to know by Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, March 30, 2026#_ftnref3 New COVID Cicada Variant is Spreading, Health Daily News April 3, 2026
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