The ongoing evolution of the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to prompt vigilance from global health organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly designates variants based on their potential to drive modern waves of infection and necessitate adjustments to public health measures. Currently, a newly identified variant, BA.3.2, often referred to as “Cigarra,” is under close scrutiny. The WHO has classified BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), and recent reports indicate its increasing presence in at least 25 states across the United States.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has now been detected in 23 countries worldwide. As of now, still, Mexican health authorities have not confirmed the presence of the BA.3.2 variant within its national territory. Understanding the characteristics of this emerging variant, and staying informed about its spread, is crucial for both public health officials and individuals seeking to protect themselves.
What is BA.3.2 and Why is it Being Monitored?
BA.3.2 is a subvariant of Omicron, the dominant strain of COVID-19 for much of the past two years. The “Cigarra” nickname isn’t an official designation, but has emerged in some media coverage. What sets BA.3.2 apart is its potential to evade immunity built up from prior infection or vaccination. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this immune evasion could slow the protective effects of existing antibodies. The CDC explains that this doesn’t necessarily indicate vaccines are ineffective, but rather that breakthrough infections may grow more common.
The CDC began noticing an increase in BA.3.2 detections in September 2025, utilizing both wastewater surveillance and clinical testing to track its spread. Wastewater analysis has become an increasingly essential tool for monitoring viral trends, providing an early warning system for emerging variants. This data helps public health agencies refine their strategies and prepare for potential surges.
Global Spread and Current Distribution
Beyond the United States and South Africa, BA.3.2 has been identified in several European countries, including Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. It has similarly been detected in Japan, Kenya, and other regions. The first confirmed case in the U.S. Was identified on June 27, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport in California, detected in a respiratory sample from a traveler.
While the variant’s spread is being closely watched, it’s important to note that it doesn’t currently appear to be causing a dramatic increase in severe illness or hospitalizations in areas where it’s circulating. However, continued monitoring is essential to track any changes in its behavior.
Symptoms of BA.3.2: What to Expect
BA.3.2 generally presents as a mild to moderate respiratory infection, similar to other Omicron subvariants. The symptoms are largely consistent with those experienced during previous COVID-19 infections. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat and hoarseness
- Persistent dry cough
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Muscle and headache
Other reported symptoms can include diarrhea, nausea, or eye irritation. Loss of taste or smell, a hallmark symptom of earlier COVID-19 variants, is less frequently reported with BA.3.2. As with other variants, asymptomatic infections – where individuals are infected but don’t experience any symptoms – are also occurring.
Current Assessment and Future Outlook
Currently, evidence suggests that BA.3.2 does not pose an additional public health risk compared to other circulating variants. However, the WHO and CDC emphasize the importance of continued surveillance to monitor its evolution. The ability of the virus to mutate and adapt remains a concern, and ongoing research is crucial to understand the potential impact of new variants.
Health officials continue to recommend staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, as the best way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Other preventative measures, such as practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, and staying home when sick, also remain important.
The CDC provides regular updates on variant tracking and recommendations on its website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html. The WHO also maintains a comprehensive resource on variants of interest and concern: https://www.who.int/emergencies/variants.
As we move forward, continued vigilance and a commitment to public health measures will be essential to manage the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and its evolving variants. The next scheduled update from the CDC regarding variant prevalence is expected in mid-July 2025.
Have questions or thoughts about the BA.3.2 variant? Share your comments below, and please share this article with your network to help spread awareness.
