Experts warn the virus could impact those more who have had COVID in the past or have not been vaccinated
SAN ANTONIO — More than two dozen states have confirmed cases of a new COVID variant, with experts saying the mutation poses risks to people who were previously infected or vaccinated. And, it was largely undetected since it was discovered in late 2024, until now.
Experts say the new “cicada” variant doesn’t cause any new or unusual symptoms compared to other COVID variants. The main danger from the new strain of the virus is its ability to spread, and circumvent existing protections. Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist with University Health told us, “The biggest concern when you have a big shift in the variant of Covid virus that’s circulating, is that it’s going to be able to get around the antibodies that people have had from either prior infections or prior vaccination.”
During the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season the CDC said the virus caused at least 390,000 hospitalizations. It also resulted in at least 45,000 deaths nationwide. New mutations like cicada will likely further boost those numbers.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat, congestion or a runny noise, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, fatigue, a headache, and nausea or vomiting. Dr. Bowling says even though the virus keeps mutating, home testing kits are still a great way to go. He told us, “That’s why the whole testing still is able to be effective even with significant mutations in the spike protein because it looks at a different area of the virus.”
The CDC analyzed nasal swabs, clinical samples and wastewater surveillance samples to determine where the variant has been found in the U.S.. As of February 11th, cases have been identified in 25 states, including Texas. All of the results are available online to the public as cases rise and fall. Dr. Bowling added, “They basically do this genetic analysis or PCR on untested water. And that allows you to find samples from people, obviously, that are using the restrooms in the community, but you can find it when it’s asymptomatic.”
Just like all other variants to protect yourself from the ‘cicada’ COVID variant get vaccinated and boosted, wear a good mask, like an N95 or KN95 indoors or in crowded spaces, wash your hands often, keep rooms ventilated, and avoid people who are sick. “There’s ongoing data showing that, you know, for people that are at high risk, it does decrease their risk of needing to be seen in the ER or going to the into the hospital,” said Dr. Bowling.