The cicada COVID variant, officially designated as BA.3.2, is causing significant concern among health officials due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections. As of February 2026, this heavily mutated variant has been detected in at least 25 states across the United States, raising alarms about its spread and impact on public health.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has since been classified as a ‘variant under monitoring’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) since December 2025. The variant is characterized by an alarming 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which may significantly reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines against infection, though they are still expected to provide protection against severe disease.
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. Despite its rapid spread, experts have noted that BA.3.2 is not currently causing more severe disease or hospitalizations compared to previous strains. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre stated, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread.”
The variant’s unusual emergence pattern has led to its nickname, ‘cicada’, drawing a parallel to the lifecycle of the insect. This nomenclature reflects the variant’s sudden appearance and potential for resurgence, similar to the periodic emergence of cicadas in nature.
As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 23 countries, with a notable presence in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, where it accounts for approximately 30% of cases. In the U.S., about 3.7% of sewage samples nationwide have shown the presence of BA.3.2, indicating its growing prevalence.
Experts like Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., have expressed concerns about the variant’s mutations, stating, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.” This raises questions about the long-term efficacy of current vaccines. However, vaccination remains a crucial tool in limiting cases and preventing severe outcomes.
Despite the challenges posed by BA.3.2, the exact reasons for its resurgence remain unclear, and the long-term impact on public health is uncertain. As health authorities continue to monitor the situation, further developments are expected in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
