The UK is likely to see the new dominant Covid variant(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Health authorities have alerted the public about concerning symptoms associated with a new Covid-19 variant expected to spread rapidly in the UK.
Experts indicate that the variant, known as cicada or BA.3.2, demonstrates higher transmissibility compared to other variants. Notably, leading microbiologists in the UK have raised concerns about potential increased impact on children.
In the US, where the variant has been identified in at least 29 states, health officials are closely monitoring symptoms and characteristics of the variant, which boasts around 75 mutations to evade immunity.
Unlike the initial years of the pandemic, Covid symptoms are now less likely to include loss of taste and smell, though these symptoms can still occur. Reports show an increase in individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea.
Children could be at higher risk of contracting cicada(Image: Getty Images)
Current studies suggest that cicada is not more likely to cause severe illness than previous variants. However, Prof Ravi Gupta from Cambridge University, an advisor to the UK government, warns that individuals may still experience significant illness.
Health experts note that cicada does not introduce any new or peculiar symptoms compared to other Omicron variants. Ongoing research aims to track the virus’s transmission patterns and mutations.
Following a period of dormancy, cicada has now been identified in 23 countries and is spreading rapidly in the USA. Vigilant monitoring of variant symptoms is in place in the USA, where it has been detected in the wastewater across 29 states.
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