The cicada COVID variant, known as BA.3.2, is making waves across the United States as it spreads to at least 25 states. This heavily mutated strain of SARS-CoV-2 has raised significant concerns due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 boasts an astonishing 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein. These mutations may reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines against infection, although they are still expected to provide protection against severe disease.
As of February 2026, BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 23 countries, with a notable presence in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, where it accounts for about 30% of cases. In the U.S., the variant was first detected in June 2025 in a traveler returning from the Netherlands.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, mirroring common COVID-19 symptoms. The variant spreads primarily through inhaling infectious respiratory particles and prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Despite its rapid spread, experts like Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre emphasize that there is currently no evidence suggesting BA.3.2 causes more severe disease or higher hospitalization rates compared to earlier strains. “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread,” he stated.
However, the emergence of BA.3.2 has sparked concerns about the long-term impact on public health. Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., noted, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” indicating the variant’s potential to challenge existing immunity.
Vaccination remains crucial, as it is expected to limit cases despite the variant’s mutations. Pekosz added, “Vaccination is still going to help limit cases.” Yet, the exact reasons for the resurgence of BA.3.2 are unclear, leaving many questions unanswered.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of BA.3.2 on the pandemic landscape. As health authorities continue to monitor this variant, the public is urged to stay informed and vigilant.
