The ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant: A Deep Dive into BA.3.2
As the world continues to navigate life with COVID-19, a new variant is gaining attention: BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada.” This heavily mutated strain is currently spreading across the globe, including the United States, prompting questions about its potential impact on immunity and public health. While current COVID-19 cases remain relatively low, experts are closely monitoring BA.3.2 due to its unique genetic characteristics.
What is the ‘Cicada’ Variant?
BA.3.2, first identified in November 2024 in South Africa, is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.3. It initially simmered quietly for over a year before experiencing a resurgence last fall. The variant’s nickname, “Cicada,” was coined by evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory, Ph.D., referencing the insect’s long periods spent underground before re-emerging – a fitting analogy for BA.3.2’s slow but steady rise.
Why is BA.3.2 Concerning?
What sets BA.3.2 apart is its substantial number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein. According to virologist Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, this variant boasts 70-75 mutations in its spike protein – a significant difference compared to strains like JN.1 and LP.8.1 targeted by current vaccines. These mutations potentially allow the virus to evade existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.
A recent study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report suggests that these mutations could reduce the protection offered by previous COVID-19 infections or vaccinations. Laboratory studies have confirmed that BA.3.2 effectively escapes COVID-19 antibodies due to these changes. However, Dr. Dana Mazo, an infectious diseases physician at NYU Langone Health, notes that some mutations might actually weaken the virus’s ability to bind to human cells.
Where is BA.3.2 Spreading?
As of February 2026, BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 25 states in the U.S. and in over 23 countries worldwide, according to data from the CDC and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). It’s currently driving approximately 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The first U.S. case was identified in June 2025 in a traveler returning from the Netherlands at the San Francisco International Airport.
Symptoms and Severity
Fortunately, current evidence suggests that BA.3.2 does not cause more severe illness or hospitalizations compared to other circulating variants. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, director of the global health and emerging pathogens institute at Mt. Sinai, emphasizes that while it can still cause problems, it’s not a more problematic strain than previous ones. Common symptoms in 2026 remain consistent with other COVID-19 variants, as outlined by the CDC:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Vaccine Effectiveness and Future Outlook
While the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, designed to target the JN.1 lineage, offer protection against severe disease, lab studies indicate they may be less effective against BA.3.2. However, experts believe current vaccines likely still provide some level of protection. The WHO expects current vaccines to continue protecting against severe illness.
The good news is that COVID-19 antiviral drugs remain effective against BA.3.2. Furthermore, the ability to update vaccines annually allows for potential reformulation to address emerging variants. Experts emphasize the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness.
Protecting Yourself
You can continue to protect yourself and others by:
- Testing if you experience symptoms
- Staying home when sick
- Wearing a mask in crowded, indoor settings
- Considering a booster if you haven’t been vaccinated or infected in the last 6-12 months (consult your doctor)
While BA.3.2 is being closely monitored, experts remain cautiously optimistic. As Dr. Pekosz notes, it hasn’t yet demonstrated a sustained growth advantage over other variants. The unpredictable nature of COVID-19 means ongoing vigilance is crucial, but a large-scale surge like those seen earlier in the pandemic is considered unlikely.
Source: TODAY.com
