New “Cicada” COVID Variant BA.3.2 Spreads Rapidly in US

Understanding the ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant: What You Need to Know About BA.3.2

Health officials are closely monitoring a “highly mutated” new strain of COVID-19 known as BA.3.2, which has earned the nickname “Cicada.” Whereas overall COVID activity has decreased since the winter months, this specific variant is gaining momentum in the United States. Recent data indicates a significant jump in cases, signaling a shift in the viral landscape as the virus continues to adapt.

Key Takeaways: The BA.3.2 Variant

• Nickname: “Cicada,” due to its period of remaining largely undetected before resurfacing.
• Origin: First identified in South Africa on November 22, 2024.
• Current Status: Reported in 23 countries; showing a rapid increase in U.S. Wastewater detections.
• Key Characteristic: Highly divergent, with 70 to 75 mutations differing from the most common U.S. Strains.

What is the ‘Cicada’ Variant?

BA.3.2, or the “Cicada” variant, is a lineage of SARS-CoV-2 that first drew international attention after being detected in South Africa in late 2024. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant was reported in 23 countries by February 11, 2026, with a notable increase in detections beginning in September 2025.

The nickname “Cicada” stems from the variant’s behavior. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr. Of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases explained that the strain remained largely “underground” or undetected for a period, much like the rare emerging insects, before its recent resurgence.

Tracking the Spread in the United States

The introduction of BA.3.2 to the U.S. Began with a traveler arriving from abroad in June 2025. The first local case in a U.S. Patient was subsequently diagnosed in January 2026. Since then, the variant has expanded its footprint across the country.

Wastewater and Clinical Data

Surveillance efforts have highlighted the variant’s rapid growth:

• Early Detection: By February 11, 2026, the CDC detected BA.3.2 in wastewater samples from 132 sites across at least 25 states.
• Recent Surge: Data from USA TODAY reports that while the variant accounted for less than 4% of U.S. Cases in mid-March, WasteWaterSCAN data from early April shows it now accounts for more than 20% of tested infections.
• Regional Impact: The variant has been identified in Ohio and 24 other states.

Medical Implications: Severity and Immunity

One of the primary concerns for health experts is the variant’s high mutation rate. There are between 70 and 75 differences between the Cicada variant and the strains currently most prevalent in the U.S. This high level of divergence suggests the virus is adapting to human immunity.

Is it more severe?

Current evidence suggests that BA.3.2 hasn’t caused illnesses more severe than previous strains. However, experts from the University of Cincinnati note that the variant might be more resistant to vaccines, which could potentially lead to a new wave of infections in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Cicada variant?

It is nicknamed “Cicada” because it remained undetected and “underground” for a significant period after its initial discovery before resurfacing and increasing in prevalence.

Where did BA.3.2 originate?

The variant was first identified in a respiratory sample collected on November 22, 2024, in South Africa.

Should I be concerned about my current vaccination status?

Because the variant is highly mutated and may be more resistant to existing immunity, health organizations like AARP emphasize that boosters remain vital for protection, especially for older adults.

Looking Ahead

As BA.3.2 continues to gain ground, public health officials are focusing on genomic and wastewater surveillance to predict potential surges. While the current activity is lower than the winter peak, the rapid rise of the Cicada variant suggests that vigilance and updated vaccinations will be critical in managing the next wave of COVID-19.