The numbers
The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States, with detections reported in 29 states and 23 countries as of February 2026. First identified in Africa in November 2024, this variant carries between 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, raising alarms about its potential to evade immunity.
Current COVID-19 vaccines may not be as effective against BA.3.2 due to these mutations. Experts have expressed concern that the variant may infect individuals more widely, although there is no evidence to suggest that 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.”
Despite the emergence of this new variant, COVID-19 continues to claim lives in the U.S., with 300 to 500 deaths reported each week. The first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, indicating that the variant has been present in the country for several months. Observers note that while the variant may have a higher potential for immune evasion, the majority of reported cases have been relatively mild, particularly among vaccinated individuals.
Symptoms associated with the Cicada variant include cough, extreme fatigue, runny nose, headache, sore throat, mild fever, generalized muscle and joint pain, loss of taste or smell, night sweats, and rash. These symptoms mirror those seen in previous COVID-19 variants, adding to the complexity of identifying and managing cases.
Historically, BA.3.2 is descended from the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021 and has since evolved into various sublineages. The ongoing evolution of the virus underscores the challenges public health officials face in controlling its spread. Experts have noted that the immune response against BA.3.2 appears to be weaker compared to other dominant strains like XFG, raising further concerns about the variant’s impact on public health.
While the current situation is concerning, experts emphasize that there is no cause for panic. As one expert noted, “COVID-19 still causes 300-500 deaths per week in the U.S. now that the virus has settled into a manageable seasonal pattern.” This perspective suggests that while vigilance is necessary, the public should not succumb to fear.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of the BA.3.2 variant on public health and the effectiveness of current vaccines against it. As the situation evolves, ongoing research and surveillance will be crucial in understanding the implications of this new variant and its potential to affect the trajectory of the pandemic.