India, April 2 -- A new COVID-19 variant, known as BA.3.2 but dubbed the "Cicada" variant, is emerging as it spreads through parts of the country, even as global COVID-19 cases remain significantly below pandemic levels, the virus is constantly evolving. According to estimates, COVID-19 resulted in 390,000 to 550,000 hospitalizations in the 2024-2025 U.S. respiratory season, demonstrating how variants continue to play an important role. The Cicada variant, scientists note, is not believed to be more serious, but its mutations enable it to "partially circumvent" immunity.

What is the Cicada Variant?

The new strain of the Covid-19 virus, known as the 'Cicada' variant in layman terms and officially named 'BA.3.2,' has been traced to the Om...