The Bureau of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) issued a warning on 29/3, urging high-risk individuals, including the elderly, those with underlying conditions, and pregnant women, to proactively monitor their health. This advisory comes as the highly mutated "Cicada" Covid variant has spread across the US and 23 other countries.
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The new Covid-19 BA.3.2 variant is spreading across the US. Photo: AP. |
Recent data from Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN monitoring program also identified the "Cicada" variant in 3,7% of wastewater samples nationwide across the US. Despite current limitations in disease surveillance systems, health experts are closely monitoring the transmission pathways of this new strain.
According to official updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the BA.3.2 variant is currently categorized as a variant under monitoring. WHO assesses the public health risk posed by this variant as low compared to other circulating Omicron lineages.
The Ministry of Health stated that the BA.3.2 variant was first identified in South Africa on 22/11/2024. Existing data indicates that BA.3.2 exhibits some changes in antigenic properties and immune evasion capabilities under laboratory conditions. However, there is no evidence to date suggesting that this variant increases disease severity, hospitalizations, or fatalities. WHO also noted that current covid-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness and death.
Given this situation, the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring global disease developments and circulating variants. It has directed the preventive health system, medical examination and treatment facilities, and related units to maintain surveillance, ensure early detection, assess risks, and prepare for necessary responses.
Currently, Vietnam continues to detect sporadic covid-19 cases. In 2025, the surveillance management system identified 6 outbreaks, which local authorities promptly managed, preventing widespread transmission.
Le Nga
