Will the new COVID-19 strain reach Uzbekistan?

The spread of a new COVID-19 strain known as “Cicada” (BA.3.2) in Uzbekistan is considered unlikely due to the country’s stable epidemiological situation. This was stated by Nurmat Otabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-being and Public Health.

According to the report, the World Health Organization has so far recorded this mutation in 23 countries, including the United States, Hong Kong, Mozambique, and the United Kingdom.

Otabekov noted that the BA.3.2 strain was identified some time ago and is characterized by an uneven rate of spread. For this reason, it has been named after the cicada, an insect known for its long dormant periods of up to 17 years.

Preliminary studies indicate that the “Cicada” strain presents clinical symptoms similar to those of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. These may include respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, redness, and in some cases, loss of smell and taste.

Experts note that children appear to be more susceptible to this strain than adults.

“As is known, during the pandemic, a large portion of the global population was vaccinated against COVID-19, which significantly reduced the likelihood of reinfection. However, children who have not previously been exposed to the virus and therefore have not developed antibodies remain at risk,” Nurmat Otabekov said.

He added that individuals with chronic illnesses, respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems, and older adults are also not fully protected.

“In the case of Uzbekistan, the epidemiological situation remains stable. The population has already developed an attitude toward coronavirus similar to that of common respiratory illnesses, as nearly 80 percent have acquired herd immunity. In this context, spreading alarmist reports about new strains detected globally is not appropriate. There is no reason for concern,” Otabekov said.