New COVID Variant Hits US: First Case Reported

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

A new and highly mutated version of SARS-CoV-2, known as the BA.3.2 variant—and nicknamed “cicada”—is currently circulating in the United States and globally. While respiratory virus season typically peaks in winter, health officials are tracking this specific lineage due to its significant genetic differences from previous strains and its potential to evade existing immunity.

What is the BA.3.2 Variant?

The BA.3.2 variant represents a new lineage of the virus that’s genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG) that have dominated the U.S. Since early 2024. According to research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this strain is highly divergent. Specifically, it contains roughly 70 to 75 substitutions and deletions in the gene sequence of its spike protein compared to the antigens used in the most recent vaccines.

Due to the fact that the spike protein is the primary target for our immune system, these mutations mean BA.3.2 has a higher potential to evade immunity gained from previous infections or vaccinations.

Timeline of Global and U.S. Spread

The spread of BA.3.2 has been gradual but steady. It was first identified in a respiratory sample from South Africa in November 2024. By September 2025, detections began to increase globally.

In Europe, the variant saw a significant surge between November 2025 and January 2026, where it accounted for approximately 30% of genetic sequences in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, as reported by CIDRAP.

The U.S. Timeline is as follows:

• June 27, 2025: The first U.S. Identification occurred via the CDC’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program in an individual arriving from the Netherlands.
• January 5, 2026: The first clinical specimen from a U.S. Patient was documented.
• February 11, 2026: The variant had been reported in 23 countries. In the U.S., it was detected in clinical samples from five patients, nasal swabs from four travelers, and 132 wastewater samples across 25 states.

Recognizing Symptoms: Is it ‘Cicada’ or the Flu?

Identifying the BA.3.2 variant based on symptoms alone is nearly impossible. According to NBC News, the symptoms for most circulating respiratory viruses—including COVID-19, Influenza A (specifically the H3N2 subclade K variant), and RSV—are remarkably similar.

Common symptoms include:

• Sniffles and nasal congestion
• Persistent cough
• Muscle aches
• Fever

It’s important to note that the hallmark symptoms of early pandemic COVID-19, such as the loss of taste and smell, are no longer common characteristics of current variants. Because the signs overlap so heavily with other illnesses, doctors emphasize that a diagnostic test is the only way to confirm which virus you’ve contracted.

Public Health Outlook

While the prevalence of BA.3.2 in the U.S. Remained low (0.19% of national surveillance sequences as of February 11, 2026), health officials continue to monitor its evolution. The primary goal of ongoing genomic and wastewater surveillance is to determine if this lineage will cause a significant shift in public health outcomes or require further adjustments to vaccine formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the current vaccine work against BA.3.2?
BA.3.2 is genetically distinct from the JN.1 and LP.8.1 strains used in recent vaccines. Because of its 70-75 mutations in the spike protein, there’s a concern regarding its ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity.

Where is the variant most active in the U.S.?
While wastewater detections have been found in 25 states, some states like Arkansas, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming have recently experienced moderate amounts of general respiratory illnesses.

How is the CDC tracking this variant?
The CDC uses a combination of digital public health surveillance, traveler-based genomic surveillance, and wastewater monitoring to track the movement and prevalence of the variant.