The numbers

The COVID-19 Cicada variant, officially designated BA.3.2, was first identified in South Africa in November 2024. Since its emergence, it has been detected in at least 23 countries and 25 US states, primarily through wastewater surveillance, raising alarms among health officials.

BA.3.2 is notable for carrying 70-75 mutations on its spike protein, which is roughly double the number found in recent predecessors like JN.1. Experts express concern that this extensive mutation profile may enable BA.3.2 to bypass immunity from previous infections or current vaccines, potentially complicating the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. While current vaccines still provide some level of protection against this variant, the immune response is reportedly weaker compared to other strains such as XFG. Brandon Dionne, a health expert, noted, “There definitely are quite a few mutations with this one, so there’s concern that the current vaccine is not going to be a great match.”

As of March 2026, COVID-19 continues to claim 300-500 lives per week in the United States. However, it is important to note that BA.3.2 does not appear to cause more severe disease or higher mortality rates than previous versions of the virus. Observers remain cautiously optimistic, with one expert stating, “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.”

The first US case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, and since then, the variant has been identified in wastewater systems across 29 states. This widespread detection underscores the variant’s potential for rapid transmission and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring. Neil Maniar emphasized, “The biggest focus is really on protecting higher risk individuals and continuing standard precautions.”

BA.3.2 is descended from the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021, and represents a new chapter in the pandemic as it has emerged after a period of relative stability. The variant’s genetic divergence from other strains is particularly noteworthy, prompting health officials to keep a close watch on its developments.

As the situation evolves, health authorities are continuing to assess the implications of BA.3.2 on public health measures and vaccine strategies. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of this variant, but experts agree that vigilance is essential in the face of its rapid spread.