The cicada covid variant, known as BA.3.2, is a heavily mutated strain of SARS-CoV-2 that poses new challenges for immunity and public health.
The cicada covid variant, officially designated as BA.3.2, is causing significant concern in the United States as it spreads across at least 25 states. This heavily mutated variant may evade immunity from both vaccines and prior infections, raising alarms among health officials and the public alike.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 23 countries as of February 2026. The variant is notable for its 70 to 75 mutations in the spike protein, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines against infection, although they are still expected to provide protection against severe disease.
Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., highlighted the variant’s mutations, stating, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.” This adaptability poses a challenge for ongoing vaccination efforts, as the numerous mutations are likely to lead to reduced efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines.
Despite these concerns, experts like Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre have noted, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread.” This indicates that while the variant is spreading, it does not currently appear to lead to worse health outcomes compared to previous strains.
As of February 2026, BA.3.2 accounts for approximately 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, and a concerning 3.7% of sewage samples nationwide in the U.S. show traces of this variant. The variant primarily spreads through inhaling infectious respiratory particles and prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms align with common COVID-19 presentations, complicating the identification of this variant.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact reasons for the resurgence of BA.3.2, and the long-term impact on public health is still uncertain. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in limiting cases, as emphasized by Pekosz, who stated, “Vaccination is still going to help limit cases.”
As the CDC and WHO continue to monitor this variant, public health officials are urging vigilance and continued vaccination efforts to mitigate the spread of BA.3.2.
