A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, dubbed BA.3.2 and nicknamed “Cicada” by researchers, is under observation by public health officials. While currently representing a modest fraction of cases in the United States, BA.3.2 carries a strikingly high number of mutations – as many as 70 to 75 – raising concerns about its potential to evade existing immunity from vaccines and prior infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported detecting the variant in 25 states, as well as in samples from travelers and airplane wastewater, signaling its increasing, though still limited, presence.
The emergence of BA.3.2 underscores the ongoing evolution of the virus and the continued need for genomic surveillance. Scientists emphasize that while the variant isn’t an immediate threat, its substantial genetic divergence warrants close monitoring. The high mutation count suggests a greater capacity to potentially overcome the protection offered by current COVID-19 vaccines, though experts stress that vaccines are still expected to provide protection against severe illness.
A Highly Mutated Variant: What We Know About BA.3.2
The CDC’s report details the initial findings regarding BA.3.2’s spread. As of the report’s publication, the variant had been identified in nasal swabs from four travelers, three airplane wastewater samples, clinical samples from five patients, and a significant 132 wastewater samples collected across 25 states. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report provides detailed data on the variant’s prevalence and geographic distribution.
Currently, BA.3.2 accounts for approximately 0.19% of the roughly 2,500 viral genomes analyzed through national surveillance efforts. However, its presence in wastewater suggests broader circulation than detected through individual testing. “It is possible we will see Cicada drive a summer COVID surge and grow the dominant strain in the United States; but that is by no means certain,” says Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
The “Cicada” Analogy and International Spread
Researchers have given BA.3.2 the nickname “Cicada” due to its unusual pattern of emergence. The variant was first detected in a respiratory sample in South Africa in November 2024, but remained largely undetected for several months before becoming more noticeable in 2025. This period of relative dormancy, similar to the life cycle of cicada insects, inspired the moniker.
Beyond the United States, BA.3.2 has gained a foothold in Europe. The CDC report indicates that between November 2025 and January 2026, the variant accounted for 30% of COVID-19 cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. This higher prevalence in European countries suggests differing patterns of spread and potential immune landscapes.
Impact on Vaccine Effectiveness and Symptoms
A key concern surrounding BA.3.2 is its potential to evade immunity conferred by prior vaccination or infection. The substantial number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein – the part of the virus that vaccines target – may reduce the effectiveness of antibodies. “The recently emerged BA.3.2 strain efficiently evades antibodies, likely given that of spike protein mutations,” the CDC report authors wrote, “highlighting the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and observational evaluations of vaccine and antiviral effectiveness.”
While current COVID-19 vaccines and antivirals are still expected to offer protection against severe disease, according to the World Health Organization, the WHO acknowledged the potential for reduced efficacy. Dr. Hopkins echoed this sentiment, stating, “The number of mutations makes it less likely that the current vaccines will be as highly effective against the variant, but we need more data to better answer this question.”
Currently, the symptoms associated with BA.3.2 appear similar to those of other circulating COVID-19 variants. Dr. Hopkins notes that a severe sore throat has been frequently reported, alongside typical symptoms like congestion, runny nose, cough, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The full range of COVID-19 symptoms, as outlined by health officials, includes loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Everyday Health provides a comprehensive list of COVID-19 symptoms.
The Current Landscape: COVID-19, Flu, and RSV
As of March 17, the CDC reports that COVID-19 cases are declining or likely declining in most areas of the country. However, the XFG variant (nicknamed Stratus), a descendant of the JN.1 lineage, remains the dominant strain in the U.S. More information on the XFG variant can be found on Everyday Health.
Despite the decline, COVID-19 continues to cause serious illness and death. So far in 2026, over 3,500 deaths in the United States have had COVID-19 listed as an underlying or contributing cause. This season, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have also been prominent, overshadowing COVID-19 in some respects. Dr. Hopkins emphasizes the importance of vigilance against all three viruses and encourages the public to stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
“We need to do better to protect our communities from all three of these viruses,” Dr. Hopkins said. “We did not vaccinate enough people and we did not effectively implement preventive measures, so families lost loved ones to all three viruses.”
Health officials will continue to monitor the spread of BA.3.2 and assess its potential impact on public health. The next update from the CDC regarding variant proportions is expected in early April, providing a clearer picture of the variant’s trajectory. Staying informed and following public health recommendations remains crucial as the virus continues to evolve.
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