The numbers
The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States, with cases detected in 29 states and 23 countries as of February 2026. First identified in Africa in November 2024, the variant has raised concerns due to its 70 to 75 genetic changes in the spike protein, which may affect how effectively current COVID-19 vaccines work against it.
Despite these mutations, experts emphasize that there is no evidence to suggest that BA.3.2 causes more severe disease than previous variants. Emily Ronay Johnston, a public health expert, 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 reassurance comes as COVID-19 continues to claim 300 to 500 lives per week in the U.S., indicating that while the virus remains a threat, it has settled into a more manageable seasonal pattern.
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. The large majority of people infected with this variant report that it is a relatively mild illness, especially among those who are vaccinated. This aligns with the historical context of COVID-19, where variants have often presented with varying degrees of severity.
However, the emergence of BA.3.2 has prompted concerns regarding immune evasion. Experts warn that due to the high number of mutations, the variant may more easily bypass immunity from previous infections or current vaccines. This has led to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of existing vaccines against this new strain, with details remaining unconfirmed.
The first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, marking the beginning of its spread across the country. Since then, the variant has been closely monitored by health officials, who are particularly interested in its potential to infect individuals who have previously recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated.
As the situation evolves, health experts continue to analyze the implications of BA.3.2 on public health. While the variant is not currently deemed more dangerous than its predecessors, the long-term impact of its mutations and the effectiveness of vaccines against it remain uncertain. Observers are particularly keen to see how the variant behaves as it continues to spread.
In summary, while the COVID-19 Cicada variant presents new challenges, experts advise that there is no cause for panic. The ongoing monitoring and research will be crucial in understanding the variant’s behavior and its implications for public health moving forward.