Expert Warns to Remain Vigilant Against New COVID Cicada Variant
A new COVID Cicada variant has emerged in several countries, causing global concern. Although the Cicada variant has not yet been detected in Indonesia, the public is urged to remain vigilant.
“Up to now, the Cicada variant has not been detected in Indonesia and has not shown a higher level of severity compared to previous variants,” said Professor Tri Wibawa, Ph.D., Sp.MK(K), from the Department of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at UGM, in Yogyakarta on Thursday (9/4).
Prof. Tri Wibawa revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 strain Omicron BA.3.2, or the Cicada variant, first appeared in South Africa in November 2024. This variant was temporarily undetected until it re-emerged in February 2026 and has been reported in 23 countries. Currently, Cicada has not been reported to have entered Indonesia. “The available data does not indicate that Cicada is more virulent than previous strains,” explained Dr. Tri Wibawa.
Previous COVID-19 variants include Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron.
From a medical perspective, Prof. Tri Wibawa continued, there is no significant difference between the Cicada variant and other COVID-19 variants. This is also reflected in the symptoms experienced by patients.
“There are no specific symptoms that distinguish patients infected with Cicada from other COVID-19 patients. Symptoms can vary from mild, like influenza, to severe, depending on the patient’s health condition and immunity,” he stated.
Regarding vaccine effectiveness, he emphasised that the emergence of new variants always has the potential to affect the level of vaccine protection. However, individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected still have an advantage in terms of immunity.
“Individuals who have been exposed or received vaccines certainly have more ready immunity compared to those who have never been vaccinated or infected,” he added.
Prof. Tri Wibawa reminded that preventive measures against the Cicada variant are essentially no different from general efforts to combat COVID-19. He stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance through healthy living habits.
“There are no specific measures for Cicada. The public needs to continue with vaccination, maintain a healthy lifestyle, uphold cleanliness and sanitation, avoid crowds when ill, and consult a doctor immediately if feeling unwell,” he asserted.
With the situation still under control in Indonesia, he urged the public to remain calm yet vigilant, and not to be complacent in implementing basic preventive measures.