The narrative around the BA.3.2 "Cicada" variant follows a familiar pattern in pandemic reporting: a new variant emerges, experts express cautious concern, and the public is left to interpret the risks. The strongest version of this narrative acknowledges that while Cicada is highly mutated and more prevalent in children, there is no evidence of increased severity. The WHO's classification as a variant requiring "monitoring and vigilance" is a measured response, avoiding both alarmism and compla...