The ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant: What You Necessitate to Know in Early 2026
The emergence of the BA.3.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2, dubbed “Cicada,” is prompting renewed attention to COVID-19 trends across the United States. Confirmed in at least 25 states as of January and February 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant is characterized by a significant number of mutations in the spike protein and is being closely monitored for its potential to evade existing immunity.
How Was the ‘Cicada’ Variant Discovered?
The CDC first identified BA.3.2 in a traveler arriving from the Netherlands at San Francisco airport in June 2025. Subsequent genomic surveillance of wastewater and clinical samples has tracked its circulation across different regions, though current case numbers remain lower than those seen in previous COVID-19 waves.
Why is BA.3.2 Being Monitored?
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025 due to the sheer number and nature of its mutations. This emergence occurs within a context of reduced epidemiological surveillance, following the circulation of JN.1 and LP.8.1 variants during 2024 and early 2025.
Symptoms of the BA.3.2 Variant
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms associated with the BA.3.2 variant don’t significantly differ from those caused by other SARS-CoV-2 variants. These include:
- Dry or productive cough
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of smell or taste
- Generalized fatigue
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and diarrhea
Experts, like Adolfo García-Sastre, director of the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute at Mount Sinai, confirm that the symptoms of BA.3.2 are consistent with other circulating variants.
Where Has BA.3.2 Been Detected?
As of early 2026, the CDC has identified BA.3.2 in the following states: California, New York, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland, Connecticut, Vermont, Nevada, Missouri, Michigan, Maine, Idaho, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Utah, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Hawaii. Tracking is achieved through genomic surveillance and analysis of wastewater, in collaboration with the WastewaterSCAN program at Stanford University.
How Does BA.3.2 Differ From Other Variants?
BA.3.2 stands out due to the 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein – the highest number recorded in a subvariant since the emergence of Omicron in 2021. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explained that this substantial change in the viral structure could potentially allow it to evade some existing immunity.
Severity and Contagiousness of BA.3.2
Currently, the CDC and WHO report no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness or increased hospitalizations compared to other variants. García-Sastre notes, “There is no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing an increase in the severity of the disease or hospitalizations in the countries where it is circulating.”
The variant hasn’t yet displaced predominant lineages like XFG (“stratus”) or NB.1.8.1 (“nimbus”) in the US. The proportion of cases linked to BA.3.2 remains stable, and hasn’t triggered a large-scale surge in infections.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against BA.3.2
Laboratory studies suggest that protection offered by the 2025-2026 vaccines, particularly those formulated against JN.1 and LP.8.1, may be reduced against symptomatic infection from BA.3.2. However, both the CDC and WHO maintain that vaccination continues to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Dana Mazo, an infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes, “The vaccine remains the best tool for protecting vulnerable individuals.” The WHO notes that vaccines are updated annually based on circulating variants, and reformulation may be considered if BA.3.2 increases its global prevalence.
What Do Health Authorities Recommend?
The CDC continues to recommend the following precautions:
- Complete the vaccination schedule and receive recommended boosters.
- Wear a mask in indoor or crowded settings.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you experience compatible symptoms.
- Isolate if you test positive or are a close contact.
- Consult healthcare professionals if you experience warning signs or have risk factors.
Surveillance of BA.3.2 is ongoing through genomic surveillance and wastewater monitoring, allowing for the early detection of emerging variant outbreaks. As of February 2026, WastewaterSCAN data indicates BA.3.2 was detected in 3.7% of samples analyzed across the United States.
Looking Ahead: The Future of BA.3.2
BA.3.2 remains under surveillance due to its potential to evade immunity. Pekosz states, “If it had special advantages, it would have already displaced other variants, but so far it hasn’t shown sustained growth globally.”
Reduced active surveillance and genomic sequencing in several countries pose a challenge to tracking emerging lineages. Health authorities stress the importance of maintaining vigilance and the capacity to respond to the potential emergence of new variants with increased transmissibility or severity.
The CDC’s latest report concludes that the public health impact of BA.3.2 remains low, but its monitoring will continue as a preventative measure.
FAQ
Q: Is the ‘Cicada’ variant more dangerous than previous COVID-19 variants?
A: Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness than other variants.
Q: Are the current COVID-19 vaccines effective against BA.3.2?
A: Vaccines may be slightly less effective at preventing symptomatic infection, but they still provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Q: Where can I find more information about the ‘Cicada’ variant?
A: You can find the latest updates on the CDC website and the WHO website.
Did you know? The ‘Cicada’ nickname was given to this variant due to its long period of low circulation before becoming more widespread internationally.
Pro Tip: Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, is the best way to protect yourself and others.
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