According to the World Health Organization, the new strain of COVID-19 named BA.3.2 — "Cicada" — has been detected in more than 20 countries so far. However, the epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan is stable, and the likelihood of this mutation spreading widely is low, says Nurmat Otabekov, a representative of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare Committee.
According to him, this strain was identified quite some time ago and is distinguished by its lack of rapid spread. The name "Cicada" was also given due to its potential to exist for a long time without being "felt."
According to preliminary data, it presents with symptoms similar to the "Omicron" strain of COVID-19 — cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and sometimes loss of smell and taste. Experts note that cases of infection are being observed more frequently, particularly among children.
At the same time, it was emphasized that due to the collective immunity formed in a large part of the population, there is no serious cause for concern.
