HEALTH
New ‘Cicada’ COVID Variant BA.3.2 Detected as Experts Monitor Spread and Symptoms
A new COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, or “Cicada,” is being tracked by health officials worldwide, with early data suggesting increased mutations but no clear evidence of more severe illness.
By Aurax Desk — Updated March 27, 2026 | 2 min read
The BA.3.2 “Cicada” variant contains dozens of mutations in its spike protein, raising concerns about immune escape.
New COVID Variant ‘Cicada’ Emerges
Health officials are closely monitoring a new COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” as it begins appearing in multiple countries and parts of the United States. The variant, first identified in South Africa in late 2024, has since been detected through international travelers and wastewater surveillance systems.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BA.3.2 has now been identified in at least 23 countries, though it still represents a small share of overall COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Why Experts Are Paying Attention
The “Cicada” variant stands out due to its high number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein — the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells. Scientists say these mutations may help the variant partially evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination.
Despite this, early data suggests the variant has not yet become dominant and there is no clear evidence that it spreads faster or causes more severe disease than recent strains.
File Image of Aitport Screening: The variant was first detected in the U.S. through traveler-based surveillance programs at airports.
Symptoms: What to Watch For
So far, symptoms linked to BA.3.2 appear similar to earlier Omicron variants and common COVID-19 infections.
Typical symptoms include:
Cough
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Sore throat
Body aches
Runny or congested nose
Health experts note that many cases remain mild or even asymptomatic, making the variant difficult to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses.
Symptoms of the BA.3.2 variant appear similar to mild cold or flu-like illness.
How It’s Being Tracked
The CDC is using a combination of genomic sequencing, traveler screening, and wastewater surveillance to monitor BA.3.2’s spread. This approach allows scientists to detect variants early — often before they become widespread in communities.
The variant was first detected in the U.S. through a traveler arriving in California in 2025 and has since appeared in multiple states through surveillance systems.
Risk Level and What Comes Next
While the variant’s mutation profile has raised concerns, experts emphasize that current vaccines are still expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
For now, BA.3.2 remains a variant under monitoring, not a dominant global strain. However, scientists warn that continued surveillance is critical as the virus evolves.
Sources: CIDRAP. NewsNAtion, CDC, Today