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New COVID strain circulating in Australia

A new strain of COVID-19 is spreading across the US, Europe and is now spiking here in Australia.

But experts say there are no signs the variant BA.3.2, otherwise known as "Cicada", poses a bigger health threat than other variations.

It was first identified in South Africa a few years ago but it's now spreading rapidly in parts of Europe, the US and is gaining traction across the country.

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COVID variant BA.3.2, otherwise known as "Cicada"

New South Wales is leading the country in the number of Cicada cases with 10,247, followed by Queensland with 6378 and Victoria has 3635.

South Australia has 1932 cases according to the latest figures, while WA's recorded 773, ACT 225, Tasmania 263 and the Northern Territory has 128.

Genome sequencing shows the Cicada strain creeping up in recent weeks but experts, like World Health Organisation's Professor Patrick Reading, say there's no cause for alarm.

"It was detected in Western Australia in 2025 and more recently its been in other states," he told 9News.

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Professor Patrick Reading from the World Health Organisation

"There is no evidence that there is increased severity, hospitalisations, or death associated with this subvariant."

The strain is a descendant of Omicron and carries between 70 and 75 genetic changes in its spike protein compared to its predecessors, helping the virus get into cells and evade the immune system.

"It may be possible that the current vaccine we use may not do such a good job against this variant as it does against other circulating variants," Reading said.

It's important to note, it's not the dominant circulating strain.

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COVID variant BA.3.2, otherwise known as "Cicada"

Experts say vaccination remains critically important, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, as well as other measures.

"Masks, testing at home, staying at home if you're unwell, hand hygiene and other ways to limit the spread," Reading said.

It's one of five Omicron subvariants being monitored by the World Health Organisation.

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