The “Cicada” COVID Variant: A Global Spread and What It Means for You
A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Cicada” (BA.3.2), is gaining traction worldwide, including in Korea and Japan. This variant is notable for its potential to evade existing immunity and its unusual asymptomatic period.
What is the BA.3.2 “Cicada” Variant?
The BA.3.2 variant is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa in November 2024. It’s earned the nickname “Cicada” due to its tendency to remain asymptomatic for an extended period, mirroring the years cicada nymphs spend underground before emerging. Like other COVID-19 variants, BA.3.2 emerged due to genetic mutations.
Global Spread and Current Status
As of April 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed BA.3.2 infections in 33 countries. The variant has been detected in wastewater surveillance samples from 25 U.S. States as of February 2026. In Korea, the proportion of cases attributed to BA.3.2 has risen sharply: from 3.3% in January to 12.2% in February and 23.1% in March. Japan also reported detecting the variant in domestic patient samples between January 19 and 25.
Why is BA.3.2 Concerning?
The CDC reports that the mutations within the BA.3.2 spike protein could reduce protection from prior infection or vaccination. Researchers, like Sato Kei of Tokyo University, have observed that BA.3.2 has undergone significant mutation compared to other variants that reached a dead finish in their evolution. The World Health Organization designated BA.3.2 as a variant under monitoring in December 2025.
Understanding Variant Evolution
Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 constantly change through mutation. These mutations can impact transmissibility and the virus’s interaction with existing immunity. BA.3.2 is considered an offshoot of the Omicron variant, which has been the dominant strain globally in recent years.
What Does This Mean for Vaccination?
The current COVID-19 vaccine may not be as effective against BA.3.2 due to the significant genetic changes in the spike protein. This could potentially lead to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the symptoms of the BA.3.2 variant?
A: The variant tends to remain asymptomatic for an extended period before symptoms appear, but symptoms are expected to be similar to other COVID-19 variants.
Q: Is the BA.3.2 variant more dangerous?
A: There is no indication so far that BA.3.2 is more dangerous or causes more severe disease than previous variants.
Q: Where did the BA.3.2 variant originate?
A: The BA.3.2 variant was first identified in South Africa in November 2024.
Pro Tip: Wastewater surveillance is a valuable tool for early detection of variant shifts. However, the number of states submitting data to the CDC has declined since 2022.
Stay informed about the latest developments regarding the BA.3.2 variant and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Aim for to learn more about COVID-19 variants? Visit the CDC’s website for the latest information.
