A new COVID-19 variant is emerging, known officially as BA.3.2 and informally referred to as “cicada.” This nickname reflects how it first appeared back in 2024, went silent for a bit, and then re-emerged in the United States toward the end of last year.
While there have only been a handful of cases reported in the U.S., “cicada” is gaining traction in Europe, prompting experts to keep a close watch for similar patterns here. This variant belongs to the omicron family but carries around 70 to 75 mutations compared to currently dominant strains. These changes could potentially help it evade the immune protection provided by existing vaccines.
Researchers are still gathering information on this new variant, but here’s a summary of what’s known so far.
Why is it in the news?
The variant was initially identified in South Africa in November 2024, with its first U.S. detection occurring in a traveler in June 2025. It didn’t appear extensively in the U.S. until December and January. Since then, more cases have been reported.
Public health officials are using various surveillance techniques to monitor variants, such as analyzing wastewater samples, collecting voluntary nasal swabs from travelers, and assessing clinical samples from medical settings. As of early February, “cicada” was identified in 25 states, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, the medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, mentions that BA.3.2 remains a minority strain based on the most recent CDC data.
In Northern Europe, it has become more common, accounting for about 30% of cases in countries like Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands linked to this variant.
Is it worse than existing variants?
It’s difficult to say at this point. Some experts believe it’s too early to draw conclusions, and there’s currently no data to suggest it’s more severe than previous variants. Much of the information on its behavior so far comes from laboratory data, rather than clinical observations, according to Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He points out that the early signs suggest it’s not more severe nor does it exhibit any notable clinical differences compared to earlier variants.
The overall trend has been that the disease hasn’t intensified significantly, and symptom patterns have remained relatively consistent across variants.
When it comes to its potential spread in the U.S., it’s not clear if it will become more common here. Some laboratory findings hint it might be less transmissible, but its contagiousness remains unknown.
Do available vaccines still offer good protection?
Currently circulating COVID-19 strains are adequately covered by this year’s vaccine formulation. However, if BA.3.2 starts spreading more widely, lab studies indicate it could evade immune defenses from vaccines and past infections. That said, concrete data is still emerging.
While the vaccines may not prevent “cicada” infections entirely, they likely still provide protection against severe outcomes, as noted by University of Maryland respiratory expert Dr. Donald Milton.
How recent must vaccinations be for adequate protection?
Health professionals generally recommend getting a COVID-19 vaccine annually in the fall, similar to how flu shots are administered. The current vaccine is approved for use through fall 2026, so it’s still an option if you haven’t received it yet.
Health officials attempt to predict which strains will be prevalent months in advance, but sometimes mutations can lead to discrepancies between predictions and actual virus behavior. This situation has arisen recently with the flu.
The COVID-19 vaccine slated for this fall might include components targeting the “cicada” variant. Typically, annual vaccinations are sufficient, though older adults and those with chronic conditions might consider an additional shot. Historically, there have been COVID-19 surges in both winter and summer, meaning high-risk individuals might benefit from a second shot in late spring.
Do standard at-home COVID-19 tests detect this variant?
“The tests are designed to identify stable parts of the virus,” said Milton, reassuring that home test kits will still function correctly. Just be sure they’re not expired. If symptoms do arise, it’s wise to isolate, get tested, and consult with a healthcare provider.
