{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1668685,
        "msgid": "covid-19-cicada-variant-has-not-entered-indonesia-ugm-expert-not-more-virulent-1775793064",
        "date": "2026-04-10 09:49:00",
        "title": "Covid-19 Cicada Variant Has Not Entered Indonesia, UGM Expert: Not More Virulent",
        "author": "Basuki Eka Purnama",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Health",
        "summary": "A new Covid-19 variant dubbed Cicada, a subvariant of Omicron BA.3.2 first identified in South Africa in November 2024, has sparked global concern but has not yet been detected in Indonesia, according to Prof. Tri Wibawa from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The expert assures that it does not appear more severe than previous strains, with symptoms similar to mild flu, and emphasises that vaccination and standard health protocols remain the best defences. As Indonesia's dominant variants pose low risk and the situation is under control, no special measures are required, though vigilance is advised to prevent potential spread.",
        "content": "<p>The emergence of a new Covid-19 variant nicknamed Cicada is currently\nin the global spotlight and triggering worldwide concern. Nevertheless,\nIndonesians are urged not to panic. An expert from Universitas Gadjah\nMada (UGM) confirms that the variant has not yet been detected in\nIndonesian territory.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Tri Wibawa, a microbiology professor at UGM\u2019s Faculty of\nMedicine, Public Health, and Nursing, explains that the Cicada variant\nis a derivative of the Omicron lineage, specifically the BA.3.2\nsubvariant. Based on epidemiological records, this variant was first\nidentified in South Africa in November 2024.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCurrent data does not indicate that the Cicada variant is more\nvirulent than previous strains or variants,\u201d Prof.\u00a0Tri Wibawa stated on\nFriday (10\/4).<\/p>\n<p>After fading from view and evading global surveillance radar, the\nvariant has resurfaced. As of February 2026, at least 23 countries have\nreported cases linked to the Cicada variant.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a summary of data on the Cicada variant based on the expert\u2019s\nexplanation:<\/p>\n<p>Clinically, Prof.\u00a0Tri notes that there are no significant differences\nin symptoms between the Cicada variant and other Covid-19 variants.\nPatients generally complain of symptoms similar to mild flu. However,\nthe severity still depends on each individual\u2019s physical condition and\nimmune system.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding health protection, he stresses that vaccination remains the\nprimary key. Individuals who have received full vaccine doses or those\nwith natural immunity post-infection (survivors) have proven to have\nbetter protection.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIndividuals who have been exposed or vaccinated certainly have\nimmunity that is more prepared to face this new variant threat,\u201d he\nadded.<\/p>\n<p>Preventive measures against the Cicada variant remain the same as\nstandard health protocols, namely:<\/p>\n<p>Although the current situation is still under control, the public is\nexpected to remain vigilant and not neglect basic health protocols to\nbreak the chain of virus transmission in the future.<\/p>\n<p>Dominant variants in Indonesia are XFG (57%), LF.7 (29%), XFG 3.4.3\n(14%) with low risk. Because the situation is still under control and\nlow risk, no special actions are required.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/covid-19-cicada-variant-has-not-entered-indonesia-ugm-expert-not-more-virulent-1775793064",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}