The cicada covid variant, officially designated as BA.3.2, has emerged as a significant public health concern in the United States. This highly mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2, which has been detected in at least 25 states as of February 11, 2026, poses potential challenges to the effectiveness of existing vaccines and immunity acquired from previous infections. The stakes are high as health authorities monitor its spread and assess its impact on public health.
BA.3.2 was first identified in South Africa in November 2024 and has since been detected in at least 23 countries. This variant is notable for its 70 to 75 mutations in the spike protein, which may allow it to evade the immune response generated by vaccines or prior infections. Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., a prominent virologist, emphasized the concern, stating, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.” This characteristic raises alarms about the variant’s ability to spread and infect individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected.
In the United States, BA.3.2 was first detected in June 2025, and its presence has been increasing, with 11% of wastewater samples indicating the variant during the week ending March 21, 2026. This data underscores the variant’s growing prevalence and the need for continued vigilance among public health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025, reflecting the global concern surrounding its mutations and potential impact.
Common symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever or chills, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. Despite its mutations, experts have noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations compared to other variants. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre stated, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread,” providing some reassurance to the public.
Reaction from the field
Health experts remain cautiously optimistic about the effectiveness of existing vaccines against BA.3.2. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja remarked, “The existing vaccine is likely to protect against what matters most: serious illness.” This statement highlights the importance of vaccination in mitigating severe outcomes, even in the face of emerging variants. However, uncertainties remain regarding the exact impact of BA.3.2 on disease severity and the efficacy of current vaccines against this variant. Details remain unconfirmed.
The reasons for BA.3.2’s resurgence are not fully understood, adding to the complexity of managing this variant. As health authorities continue to monitor its spread and impact, the focus remains on vaccination efforts and public health measures to curb transmission. The situation is dynamic, and further developments are expected as more data becomes available.
In summary, the cicada covid variant, BA.3.2, presents a new challenge in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. With its significant mutations and potential to evade immunity, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance, vaccination, and research to understand its implications fully. As the situation evolves, public health officials and the scientific community will be closely watching for updates on this emerging variant.