The World Health Organization is monitoring a new strain of COVID-19, officially designated BA.3.2, which has been nicknamed "Cicada." According to the latest data, it has already been detected in 23 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Mozambique, daryo.uz reports.

The strain received its name due to its distribution pattern: after initial detection, it would enter a "dormant" state for a period of time—analogous to the insect of the same name, which can remain dormant in the ground for extended periods of time.

Last month, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded cases of the virus in 25 states. The BA.3.2 strain was detected in nasal swabs from four tourists, clinical samples from five patients, and 132 wastewater samples.

Experts estimate that there is no reason to consider the new strain more dangerous than previous variants of the virus. However, specialists note that children appear to be more frequently infected than adults.

The WHO has assigned BA.3.2 a "watch" status, requiring enhanced monitoring. Experts are currently continuing to study the potential threat this strain may pose to global health.