Reaction from the field
The emergence of the BA.3.2 variant, colloquially referred to as the cicada COVID variant, has significant implications for public health in the United States and beyond. Detected in at least 25 states as of February 11, 2026, this highly mutated strain of SARS-CoV-2 is raising alarms due to its potential ability to evade immunity provided by vaccines and previous infections. With 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, BA.3.2 is notably different from its predecessors, prompting health officials to monitor its spread closely.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has since been reported in at least 23 countries. Its classification as a ‘variant under monitoring’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2025 underscores the variant’s potential to complicate the ongoing battle against COVID-19. The variant was first detected in the U.S. in June 2025, and its prevalence has been increasing, with 11% of wastewater samples indicating the presence of BA.3.2 during the week ending March 21, 2026.
Common symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever or chills, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. These symptoms are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, making it challenging for individuals to distinguish between them without testing.
Experts are cautiously optimistic about the existing vaccines’ effectiveness against BA.3.2. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja noted that while the variant may evade some immune responses, the current vaccines are likely to protect against severe illness, which remains the primary concern. However, the exact impact of BA.3.2 on disease severity is still unclear, with Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre stating that there is no evidence to suggest that it is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in regions where it is prevalent.
Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., emphasized the variant’s numerous mutations, which may allow it to present differently to the immune system, complicating the body’s ability to recognize and combat the virus effectively. This characteristic raises questions about the long-term efficacy of vaccines and the potential need for updated formulations to address emerging variants.
While the situation surrounding BA.3.2 continues to evolve, uncertainties remain. The reasons for the variant’s resurgence are not fully understood, and health officials are monitoring its spread and impact closely. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how effective current vaccines will be against this variant, leaving public health experts and the general population on alert.
As the cicada COVID variant spreads, continued vigilance and research will be essential in navigating the challenges it presents. The response from health authorities and the scientific community will play a critical role in determining how effectively society can mitigate the impact of BA.3.2 and protect public health moving forward.