A new Covid variant, dubbed the "Cicada" variant, is rapidly spreading across the United States, linked to the BA.3.2 lineage from the Omicron variant, raising alarms among health officials.
This highly mutated strain is raising concerns about its potential to evade vaccine protection, prompting warnings of reduced effectiveness against it.
The most prominent symptom of the Cicada variant is a painful sore throat, described by some as "razorblade throat," which has caught the attention of medical experts.
Currently reported in at least 25 to 29 states, the variant poses a particular risk to children, with experts urging parents to be vigilant.
As symptoms of the Cicada variant overlap with those of other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV, accurate diagnosis becomes increasingly challenging.
Authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness, encouraging anyone feeling unwell to consult healthcare professionals and inquire about booster vaccinations.
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