As of March 2026, the cicada COVID variant, known scientifically as BA.3.2, has been detected in at least 25 states across the United States. This heavily mutated variant poses a significant risk as it may evade immunity from both vaccines and prior infections.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has rapidly spread, with reports indicating its presence in at least 23 countries by February 2026. The variant is characterized by 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines against infection.
Despite these mutations, health experts, including Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, emphasize that there is currently no evidence suggesting that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations compared to earlier strains. Vaccines are still expected to provide protection against severe outcomes, although their efficacy against infection may be diminished.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. The variant spreads primarily through inhaling infectious respiratory particles and prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., notes, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” highlighting the challenges in controlling its spread. As of February 2026, BA.3.2 accounted for approximately 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.
In the U.S., the variant was first detected in June 2025 in a traveler returning from the Netherlands. Since then, it has shown a concerning prevalence, with 3.7% of sewage samples nationwide indicating the presence of BA.3.2.
The World Health Organization has classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring” since December 2025, reflecting the global concern regarding its mutations and potential impact on public health.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact reasons for the resurgence of BA.3.2 and its long-term implications on public health. As the situation evolves, continued monitoring and vaccination efforts will be crucial in managing this emerging threat.
