New ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant BA.3.2 spreads in the US: Symptoms, vaccine concerns and what WHO says
BA.3.2 ‘cicada’ COVID variant spreads in the US
A new COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, nicknamed “cicada”, is drawing fresh attention as it spreads across the United States and several other countries, prompting questions about symptoms, vaccine protection and whether another COVID surge could be on the way.
The strain, described by experts as “highly mutated”, has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify it as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) rather than a higher-risk variant. WHO’s latest tracking data show BA.3.2 is circulating globally at relatively low but rising levels, accounting for about 6% of submitted sequences in the reporting period ending February 2026.
Although BA.3.2 has sparked concern because of its unusually large number of mutations, especially in the spike protein, health experts say there is no evidence so far that it causes more severe illness, more hospitalisations or higher death rates than other currently circulating COVID strains. WHO’s formal risk evaluation says BA.3.2 poses “low additional public health risk” compared with other Omicron-descended lineages currently in circulation.
What Is the ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant BA.3.2?
The BA.3.2 COVID variant is a descendant of Omicron BA.3, a lineage that first emerged in 2022 but never became dominant. According to WHO, the earliest documented BA.3.2 sample dates back to 22 November 2024, and the variant was officially designated a Variant Under Monitoring on 5 December 2025.
The nickname “cicada” is informal and not an official WHO or CDC label. It was reportedly coined by evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory because the variant appeared to stay “under the radar” before resurfacing, similar to cicadas emerging after long periods underground.
What makes BA.3.2 stand out is its high mutation count. WHO’s risk evaluation notes that the strain differs significantly from earlier BA.3 viruses and shows reduced neutralisation in laboratory testing, meaning antibodies from prior infection or vaccination may not recognise it as effectively as some recent variants. However, that does not automatically mean it is more dangerous in real-world settings.
Why Experts Are Watching BA.3.2 Closely
The “cicada” variant has attracted attention largely because it appears genetically distinct from many of the more recent SARS-CoV-2 lineages that dominated 2025 and early 2026.
WHO’s February 2026 tracking update lists BA.3.2 among the currently monitored variants alongside XFG, NB.1.8.1 and KP.3.1.1. In the latest reporting window, BA.3.2 rose from around 5% to 6% of submitted global sequences, while WHO noted that it increased in the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific. Still, the agency said the available evidence suggests BA.3.2 does not pose additional public health risks relative to other circulating variants.
That means the variant is being watched carefully, but it is not currently considered a variant of interest or variant of concern.
Cicada COVID Variant Symptoms: What Are the Signs of BA.3.2?
So far, BA.3.2 symptoms appear to be similar to symptoms caused by other COVID variants and are not considered unique.
Common symptoms linked to current COVID-19 infections include:
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of smell or taste
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
This means the cicada COVID variant symptoms can easily overlap with the common cold, flu or RSV, making testing especially important when symptoms appear.
Is the BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’ Variant More Severe?
At this stage, the answer is no, at least based on current evidence.
According to WHO’s December 2025 initial risk evaluation, there are no data showing increased severity, hospitalisations or deaths associated with BA.3.2. The agency said the variant may show immune escape in laboratory studies, but it has not shown a sustained growth advantage over other co-circulating variants.
That assessment matches broader WHO tracking in early 2026, which found that BA.3.2 is rising slowly but remains far behind dominant strains such as XFG globally.
In practical terms, the “cicada” variant may be one to watch, but there is no evidence yet that it is causing a major wave or unusually severe disease.
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Do Current COVID Vaccines Work Against the Cicada Variant?
This is one of the most searched question, and the answer is nuanced.
Because BA.3.2 carries many spike protein mutations, experts say it may be better at partially evading antibodies from previous infection or vaccination compared with some recent variants. However, WHO’s official BA.3.2 risk evaluation states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to continue providing protection against severe disease.
WHO’s broader December 2025 vaccine antigen update also said BA.3.2 was being detected at low levels globally and was one of the emerging variants under observation as vaccine composition discussions continued.
So while vaccine effectiveness against infection may be lower, experts still expect meaningful protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, especially for high-risk groups.
Could the ‘Cicada’ Variant Cause Another COVID Surge?
Right now, there is no clear sign that BA.3.2 is driving a major COVID surge.
WHO’s latest data show BA.3.2 remains a minority share of global sequences, while XFG continues to dominate. Even though BA.3.2 is increasing, WHO says it has not demonstrated a sustained growth advantage over competing strains.
That does not mean the variant should be ignored. Public health experts continue to monitor:
- Wastewater detections
- Clinical case sequencing
- Regional spikes in transmission
- Potential future mutations of BA.3.2 sublineages
But based on current evidence, a wave on the scale of earlier pandemic surges appears unlikely at this point.
Why the BA.3.2 Variant Matters in 2026
The rise of the “cicada” variant is a reminder that COVID-19 is still evolving, even if it no longer dominates daily headlines the way it once did.
WHO has repeatedly warned that reduced surveillance and sequencing worldwide make it harder to quickly assess new variants and track how they spread. That means even a relatively low-risk variant like BA.3.2 deserves attention because it can reveal how the virus continues to adapt, and whether future vaccine updates may be needed.
For now, the best approach remains familiar: test when sick, stay home if symptomatic, protect vulnerable people, and stay up to date with vaccination guidance, especially if you are older, immunocompromised or living with underlying conditions.
The bottom line: the “cicada” COVID variant is real, it is spreading, and it is being closely monitored, but it is not currently considered a major public health threat.
FAQ: Cicada COVID Variant (BA.3.2), Symptoms, Vaccines and Spread
1. What is the ‘cicada’ COVID variant?
The “cicada” COVID variant is the informal nickname for BA.3.2, a SARS-CoV-2 variant descended from the Omicron BA.3 lineage. It is not an official WHO or CDC name, but it has gained attention because of its large number of mutations and its spread in the United States and other countries.
2. Is BA.3.2 an official WHO variant of concern?
No. BA.3.2 is not a variant of concern. The World Health Organization currently classifies it as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), meaning it is being tracked because it may need closer attention, but it is not currently considered more dangerous than other circulating variants.
3. What are the symptoms of the BA.3.2 ‘cicada’ variant?
Symptoms are similar to other recent COVID variants and may include:
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of smell or taste
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
There is no confirmed unique symptom pattern specific to BA.3.2.
4. Is the cicada COVID variant more severe?
So far, no. WHO says there are no data indicating increased severity, hospitalisations or deaths linked specifically to BA.3.2. Current evidence suggests it poses low additional public health risk compared with other Omicron-descended variants.
5. Why is BA.3.2 getting attention if it’s not more severe?
Because BA.3.2 has many mutations in its spike protein, which may help it partially evade immunity from past infections or vaccination. That makes it scientifically important, even if it is not currently causing more severe disease.
6. Do current COVID vaccines work against BA.3.2?
Yes — especially against severe disease. WHO says current vaccines are still expected to continue providing protection against severe illness, even though BA.3.2 may be less well neutralised in laboratory studies than some earlier strains.
7. Can BA.3.2 evade immunity?
Possibly to some extent. Lab studies suggest BA.3.2 has reduced neutralisation, meaning antibodies may recognise it less effectively. However, immune protection is broader than antibodies alone, and vaccines are still expected to reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
8. Is BA.3.2 spreading in the United States?
Yes. According to your source, the CDC has detected BA.3.2 in at least 25 U.S. states. It has also been identified in wastewater and clinical samples in multiple locations.
9. Where is BA.3.2 spreading globally?
WHO says BA.3.2 is circulating globally at low but rising levels and has been tracked in multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific. It remains a minority share of global sequences.
10. Could BA.3.2 cause another big COVID surge?
At the moment, there is no strong evidence that BA.3.2 will trigger a major surge. WHO says the variant has not shown a sustained growth advantage over other co-circulating strains. It is increasing, but not fast enough to dominate globally so far.
11. Why is it called ‘cicada’?
“Cicada” is an informal nickname, not an official scientific label. It reportedly refers to the idea that the variant stayed relatively unnoticed before re-emerging, similar to cicadas appearing after long periods underground.
12. When was BA.3.2 first detected?
WHO lists the earliest documented BA.3.2 sample as 22 November 2024, and it was designated a Variant Under Monitoring on 5 December 2025.
13. Is BA.3.2 the dominant COVID variant right now?
No. WHO’s latest tracking shows XFG remains the most prevalent globally, while BA.3.2 accounts for a much smaller share of submitted sequences. In one recent reporting window, BA.3.2 was around 6% globally.
14. Should I get a COVID booster because of BA.3.2?
That depends on your age, health status, risk factors and local guidance. High-risk individuals — including older adults and immunocompromised people — should speak with a healthcare professional about whether they are due for an updated vaccine dose.
15. What should you do if you think you have the BA.3.2 variant?
You usually cannot tell which variant you have from symptoms alone. If you have COVID-like symptoms:
- Take a test if available
- Stay home if sick
- Avoid exposing vulnerable people
- Seek medical advice if you are high-risk or symptoms worsen
- Ask about antiviral treatment if eligible
16. What does “Variant Under Monitoring” mean?
A Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) is a WHO category for variants that may need closer attention because of changes that could affect spread, immunity or public health. It does not mean the variant is automatically dangerous, but it signals that experts are watching it carefully.