Cicada COVID Variant Emerges in the United States
The cicada COVID variant, officially named BA.3.2, is making waves across the United States as it spreads to at least 25 states. This heavily mutated variant is raising alarm due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines and prior infections, which could have significant implications for public health.
First identified in November 2024 in South Africa, BA.3.2 has since been detected in at least 23 countries, including the U.S., where it was first reported in June 2025 by a traveler returning from the Netherlands. The variant is characterized by 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which may reduce the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines.
As of February 2026, data shows that BA.3.2 accounts for approximately 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, highlighting its rapid spread. In the U.S., about 3.7% of sewage samples nationwide have tested positive for this variant, indicating a growing presence in communities.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. While the variant is not currently linked to more severe disease or increased hospitalizations compared to previous strains, health experts continue to monitor its impact closely.
Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre noted, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread.” However, Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., emphasized the variant’s mutations, stating, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” suggesting that vaccination will still help limit cases.
The World Health Organization has classified BA.3.2 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ since December 2025, reflecting the ongoing concerns about its potential to alter the course of the pandemic. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact reasons for the resurgence of BA.3.2 and its long-term impact on public health.
As communities navigate this new challenge, public health officials urge continued vigilance, including vaccination and adherence to health guidelines, to mitigate the spread of this variant. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as researchers and health organizations work to understand the implications of BA.3.2.
