科學家監測新型「蟬」變異株新冠病毒
Scientists Monitor New 'Cicada' COVID-19 Variant
全球公共衛生官員正在密切監控一種名為「Cicada」（蟬）的新冠病毒變異株，其官方指定名稱為BA.3.2。
Public health officials globally are closely monitoring a new COVID-19 variant named 'Cicada', officially designated as BA.3.2.
此變異株於2024年11月首次出現於南非，因為它好像昆蟲一樣，在2025年末重新浮出水面之前曾處於休眠狀態，因此獲得了這個綽號。
This variant, which first appeared in South Africa in November 2024, earned its nickname because it seemed to remain dormant like an insect before resurfacing in late 2025.
作為Omicron家族的後代，BA.3.2在基因上獨特且突變程度極高，其棘突蛋白發生了70到75處變化。
As a descendant of the Omicron family, BA.3.2 is genetically distinct and highly mutated, with 70 to 75 changes in its spike protein.
儘管這引發了人們對潛在免疫逃逸的擔憂，但專家指出，疫苗對預防重症仍然有效。
While this has raised concerns about potential immune escape, experts note that vaccines likely remain effective against severe illness.
目前，BA.3.2在全球屬於少數毒株，儘管已在20多個國家被檢測到，並通過廢水監測在至少25個美國州份出現。
Currently, BA.3.2 is a minority strain worldwide, though it has been detected in over 20 countries and is present in at least 25 U.S. states through wastewater surveillance.
雖然科學界繼續研究其演化，但官員目前將「Cicada」變異株視為低風險威脅，並建議民眾繼續採取標準的健康預防措施。
While the scientific community continues to study its evolution, officials currently view the 'Cicada' variant as a low-level threat, advising the public to continue with standard health precautions.
