The BA.3.2 variant of COVID-19, also known as the cicada variant, has been detected in at least 25 states across the United States, raising alarms among health officials. This variant, first identified in South Africa in November 2024, has roughly 70-75 mutations in its spike protein, which could affect how well current vaccines work against it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BA.3.2 was classified as a ‘variant under monitoring’ in December 2025. As of now, it is responsible for approximately 30% of cases in countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, and has been found in 11% of wastewater samples in the U.S. during the week ending March 21, 2026.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. Despite these symptoms, current evidence suggests that the variant is not causing more severe disease or higher mortality rates than previous strains.
Brandon Dionne, a health expert, expressed concerns about the variant’s mutations, stating, “There definitely are quite a few mutations with this one, so there’s concern that the current vaccine is not going to be a great match.” However, Andrew Pekosz reassured that while the variant looks alarming on paper, it has not significantly impacted disease severity in most areas yet.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains crucial in limiting the spread of COVID-19, with Pekosz noting, “Vaccination is still going to help limit cases.” Neil Maniar added that the focus should be on protecting higher-risk individuals and continuing standard precautions.
Despite the ongoing monitoring of BA.3.2, uncertainties remain. The exact prevalence of the variant in the U.S. is unclear due to reduced surveillance, and it is uncertain how effective current vaccines will be against this new variant. Details remain unconfirmed.
As the situation evolves, public health authorities continue to monitor the spread of BA.3.2 closely, aiming to provide timely updates and guidance to the public.