The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States, with its presence detected in 29 states and 23 countries as of February 2026. First identified in Africa in November 2024, this variant has raised alarm due to its significant number of genetic changes, estimated between 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein.
Health experts are particularly concerned about the implications of these mutations, as they may allow the variant to evade immunity from previous infections or current vaccines. “Due to the high number of mutations, experts worry the variant may more easily bypass immunity from previous infections or current vaccines,” a health official noted. This has led to questions about the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines against BA.3.2.
The numbers
Despite these concerns, there is currently no evidence that the Cicada variant causes more severe disease than previous strains. Emily Ronay Johnston, a prominent epidemiologist, stated, “There’s no sign so far that BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, is any more dangerous or causes more severe disease than the variants that were circulating in the winter of 2025-26.” This sentiment is echoed by other experts who emphasize that most individuals infected with this variant report relatively mild symptoms, especially among those who are vaccinated.
Symptoms associated with the Cicada variant include cough, extreme fatigue, runny nose, headache, sore throat, mild fever, generalized muscle and joint pain, loss of taste or smell, night sweats, and rash. As COVID-19 continues to cause 300-500 deaths per week in the U.S., the emergence of BA.3.2 adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing pandemic response.
The first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, and since then, the variant has been closely monitored by health authorities. While the variant may infect people more widely due to immune evasion, experts maintain that there is no cause for panic. “The large majority of people with this variant report that it is a relatively mild illness, especially among those who are vaccinated,” said a health official.
As the situation evolves, the long-term impact of the BA.3.2 variant on public health remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full effectiveness of current vaccines against this variant, leaving both health officials and the public in a state of cautious observation.
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