What we know about the new COVID-19 variant
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The Bottom Line
The CDC identified a new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, spreading across at least 25 states with varying transmissibility and immune evasion properties.
How This Affects You
A new COVID-19 variant spreading in 25 states could affect your vaccination protection and may require updated treatments or boosters.
AI Summary
The CDC has identified a new COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, spreading across at least 25 states. The strain represents another evolution of the virus as it continues to circulate and mutate in the population. BA.3.2 joins a growing list of variants that have emerged since the pandemic began, each with varying degrees of transmissibility and ability to evade immunity. Dr. Amesh Adalja provided analysis on the variant's characteristics and public health implications. Health officials are monitoring the strain's spread and potential impact on vaccination and treatment strategies.
What's Being Done
Health officials are monitoring the BA.3.2 variant's spread and potential impact on vaccination and treatment strategies.
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HealthNew Covid variant BA.3.2 detected across US, but experts urge vigilance over alarm
<p>Strain found in 29 states and Puerto Rico carries spike mutations, but no data shows increased severity</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>BA.3.2, an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/omicron">Omicron</a> <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ve/article/12/1/veag011/8490867">variant</a> of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak">Covid-19</a> with dozens of new spike mutations, has been detected in 29 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news">US</a> states and Puerto Rico, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7510a1.htm">according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, but ...
HealthA COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
HealthWhat we know about the new 'cicada' COVID-19 variant
Its official name is BA.3.2, but it's earned the nickname "cicada" because, analogous to the insect's pattern, it first appeared back in 2024, went dormant for a while, and resurfaced in the U.S. late last year.
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While the latest variant, called Cicada, carries more mutations, it’s still part of the Omicron family that emerged in 2021.
HealthCDC pauses diagnostic testing for rabies, other infectious diseases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has paused its diagnostic testing for a host of infectious diseases, including rabies. The CDC on Monday posted a list of 27 tests that it either discontinued or made temporarily unavailable. Some tests, the agency noted, are available commercially. Among those temporarily paused are tests for rabies,…
Government TransparencyFederal government sues three states over their regulation of prediction markets - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxORm1kMkdPN3gtY2ExMWViMjZSci1UVmt2R3hqWVFPWmxBTFc2eTVHTXBMWHZJTHdJcHAwT0d4V2pPcTNiV1E1c1c3R1RLa09lcUNCeUo4RzBkNktyc2RveHBmOTd6eF9zZXQzVC1HdEJEbEtCbFVSTVN3WThJV0ZocUFXT3NlaW5sR01kLVlNT2tWajNIUTNKTlF2YkxpMXl0XzNHVlpUWGo?oc=5" target="_blank">Federal government sues three states over their regulation of prediction markets</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
CDC temporarily halts testing for several infectious diseases amid staffing shortages
<p>Federal agency, which normally supports state and local public health labs, has been hobbled by staff departures</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>The US federal agency responsible for monitoring diseases has temporarily halted certain diagnostic testing, including those for rabies, human herpesvirus and several other <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/infectiousdiseases">infectious illnesses</a>.</p><p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released <a href="https://cdc.gov/infectious-diseases-labs/php/test-directory/index.html">a list</a> on Monday showing that more than two dozen types of testing are now un...
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