A new, significantly mutated COVID-19 variant, designated BA.3.2 and colloquially known as ‘Cicada,’ is currently making its way across the United States. While national COVID case counts remain low, this strain is garnering attention globally due to its distinct genetic profile and potential implications for existing immunity.
The BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’ variant first surfaced over a year ago but began to gain significant traction last fall, now detected in at least 25 states as of February 11. Its unique characteristics, particularly a multitude of changes in its spike protein, set it apart from other circulating variants, prompting close monitoring by public health agencies.
The Distinctive Nature of the ‘Cicada’ Variant
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, continuously mutates, leading to new variants. While many strains share close genetic similarities, BA.3.2 stands out. Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, highlights that ‘Cicada’ possesses numerous mutations that could significantly alter how the immune system perceives it. This could potentially diminish the protective effects of prior infections or vaccinations, as suggested by a recent study featured in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Due to these extensive genetic alterations, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified BA.3.2 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ in December 2025. The nickname ‘Cicada’ was coined by evolutionary biologist Dr. T. Ryan Gregory, reflecting the variant’s initial quiet period ‘underground’ before its re-emergence as a notable strain.
BA.3.2 traces its lineage back to BA.3, an Omicron subvariant from 2022, and was first identified in November 2024 in South Africa. Despite its ancestor’s fade, BA.3.2 resurfaced after two years and dozens of mutations, further evolving into subvariants BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2. With 70-75 mutations in its spike protein, it presents a ‘genetically distinct’ lineage compared to strains like JN.1 and LP.8.1, which are targeted by current COVID-19 vaccines. Laboratory studies confirm BA.3.2’s ability to evade existing COVID-19 antibodies due to these spike protein changes. However, Dr. Dana Mazo, an infectious diseases physician at NYU Langone Health, notes that some mutations might paradoxically reduce the virus’s ability to bind effectively to human cells, though the exact reasons for its current resurgence remain unclear.
Current Spread, Severity, and Symptoms
As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 has been identified in at least 23 countries, according to data from the CDC and GISAID. It is reportedly driving approximately 30% of cases in nations like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The variant was first detected in the U.S. in June 2025, identified in a traveler at San Francisco International Airport returning from the Netherlands. Since then, it has been found in international travelers, COVID-19 patients, and wastewater samples across at least 25 U.S. states.
While BA.3.2’s presence is increasing, it has not yet reached levels significant enough for inclusion in the CDC’s primary variant proportion tracker. However, national wastewater monitoring data from the CDC for the week ending March 21 indicates BA.3.2 in at least 11% of samples, with Stanford University’s WastewaterSCAN also showing rising detections nationwide.
Fortunately, experts currently report no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness or leads to higher hospitalization rates in regions where it is more prevalent. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, director of the global health and emerging pathogens institute at Mt. Sinai, affirms that it is not proving to be a more problematic strain than its predecessors. Dr. Pekosz adds that despite appearing ‘scary on paper,’ it hasn’t translated into a major impact on disease severity yet. While its detection is rising, BA.3.2 has not caused a significant surge in infections globally and has not overtaken dominant variants such as XFG (‘Stratus’) or NB.1.8.1 (‘Nimbus’). The WHO concurs, stating that BA.3.2 has not demonstrated a sustained growth advantage over other co-circulating variants.
The symptoms associated with the BA.3.2 variant are consistent with those of other currently circulating COVID-19 strains. The CDC lists common symptoms in 2026 as:
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of smell or taste
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Symptoms typically resolve with supportive care, and existing COVID antiviral medications remain effective against this new variant.
Vaccination and Protection Measures
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The extensive mutations in BA.3.2’s spike protein raise questions about the efficacy of current vaccines in preventing infection, potentially necessitating future reformulations. The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, designed to target the JN.1 lineage, are effective against severe disease from many existing strains. However, preliminary lab studies suggest reduced effectiveness against BA.3.2, though further research is needed.
Dr. García-Sastre believes that current vaccines likely retain some degree of effectiveness, and the WHO anticipates they will continue to provide protection against severe illness. The adaptive nature of mRNA vaccines allows for annual updates to address evolving strains.
In the interim, individuals are encouraged to continue protective practices: test if symptoms appear, stay home when ill, and wear masks in crowded indoor environments. For those who have not been vaccinated or infected within the last six to twelve months, consulting a healthcare provider about a booster shot may be beneficial, especially for individuals at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including adults over 65, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains a key strategy for limiting case numbers, as emphasized by Dr. Pekosz.
