The numbers
The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States, having been detected in 29 states and 23 countries as of February 2026. First identified in Africa in November 2024, this variant carries an alarming 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, raising concerns among health officials about its potential to evade immunity.
Despite the rapid spread of BA.3.2, experts emphasize that there is currently no evidence to suggest it causes more severe disease than previous variants. 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 reassurance comes as COVID-19 continues to claim between 300 and 500 lives each 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 a 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 those infected report relatively mild illness, particularly among vaccinated individuals. However, the high number of mutations raises concerns that BA.3.2 may more easily bypass immunity from previous infections or current vaccines.
Notably, the first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, marking the beginning of its presence in the country. Since then, the variant has spread significantly, prompting health officials to monitor its impact closely. The variant is a descendant of the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021, and its mutations are reminiscent of the ongoing evolution of the virus.
As the situation unfolds, the long-term impact of the BA.3.2 variant on public health remains unclear. Experts are particularly concerned about the effectiveness of current vaccines against this new variant, as preliminary data suggest that the immune response against BA.3.2 is weaker compared to other dominant strains like XFG. Details remain unconfirmed.
While there is no cause for panic, the emergence of the Cicada variant underscores the need for continued vigilance in monitoring COVID-19 trends. Public health officials are urging individuals to remain informed about the latest developments and to continue following health guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.
In summary, the BA.3.2 variant presents a new challenge in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. As it spreads across the United States and beyond, the focus will be on understanding its implications for vaccine effectiveness and public health strategies moving forward.