The coronavirus—which brought the entire world to a near standstill between 2020 and 2023—now appears to be resurfacing with a new variant. In a report published in *Amar Ujala* on March 28, we provided information regarding the new variant, BA.3.2, which scientists have named "Cicada." Preliminary studies have indicated that this variant is capable of spreading rapidly and possesses the potential to infect even those individuals who have already built immunity through prior infections or vaccination.

Recent reports now indicate that, in a very short span of time, this virus has spread to 23 countries, including the UK. While local media reports have not yet clarified exactly how many people have been infected, a team of experts continues to issue alerts to the public, deeming the situation a cause for concern.

To put it simply, the virus itself remains the same, but its behavior has undergone a slight alteration. In light of the potential risks posed by this variant, scientific teams are once again advising individuals with compromised immunity to get vaccinated.

Is this new variant of the coronavirus poised to trigger a fresh wave of infections? Will the use of masks and vaccination once again become a necessity? Let us explore this in greater detail.

**This New Variant Has the Ability to Evade Immunity**

Given the rate at which the Cicada variant is spreading—along with its inherent characteristics—officials have issued a warning that this new variant could soon become the dominant strain circulating within the UK. Consequently, experts have called for the inclusion of the COVID-19 vaccine within pre-school immunization programs.

Currently, cases of this variant have been reported in 23 countries, including the UK.

Experts are concerned that the specific mutations observed in this variant may enable it to evade the immunity conferred by existing vaccines.

Although its symptoms largely mirror those of the original virus, there are apprehensions that it may pose a heightened risk to school-going children.

Thus far, individuals infected with this variant have exhibited the same familiar symptoms observed previously—such as fatigue, fever, body aches, and a sore throat. Experts Sound the Alarm Regarding Risks to Children

Children are being urged to exercise heightened caution in light of this new variant.

Commenting on this, Professor Stephen Griffin, a viral oncologist at the University of Leeds, states that one contributing factor is the "lack of foresight" demonstrated in the advice issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended keeping vaccination for children as an "optional" measure.

Judging by the current trajectory of the virus, it does not appear to represent a rapidly accelerating wave of the pandemic. Much like last year, it seems to be progressing at a gradual pace.
Nevertheless, a higher rate of infection implies an increased probability of the virus undergoing mutations.
In such a scenario, there is a risk that these mutations could trigger changes within the virus that subsequently give rise to new complications.

During previous waves, the risks of reinfection and "Long Covid" among children were not adequately taken into account. Consequently, we must bear in mind that a significant number of people remain deprived of the protection afforded by vaccination. Since this virus has already been observed to evade vaccine-induced immunity, the potential threat could be even more pronounced.

A Virus with 75 Mutations: Renewed Calls for Vaccination

Preliminary analyses of this variant indicate that its spike protein has already accumulated approximately 75 mutations—a development that poses an entirely novel threat to the immune system.

Professor Paul Hunter, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, clarifies that this does not necessarily imply that we will witness an increased risk of severe illness or a rise in mortality rates.

The emergence of a new variant comes as no surprise. The critical question, however, is whether this new variant poses a significant threat to public health.
There is a strong likelihood that any new variant capable of spreading more rapidly than its predecessors will lead to an increase in infections; however, this does not imply...

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