A new Covid variant, BA.3.2 — nicknamed “Cicada” — is spreading globally and may be able to bypass some protection from existing vaccines.
The Covid-19 pandemic may feel like it’s behind us, but the virus isn’t finished. New variants continue to emerge, and experts warn that some could spread more easily, evade immunity, or even trigger a new wave of infections.
The latest strain, BA.3.2, known as “Cicada,” is a mutation of the previously dominant Omicron variant and was first detected in South Africa in November 2024. It earned its nickname because, like the insect, it can remain hidden for years before suddenly resurfacing.
Since its discovery, the Cicada variant has spread worldwide. According to the European Medical Journal, it had been identified in at least 23 countries as of February 2026.
Cases have been reported in the US and UK, as well as Japan, Kenya, and the Netherlands, according to the European Medical Journal.
How is Cicada different? Experts say BA.3.2 is highly mutated, showing a 70–75% difference from earlier strains. In the US, the first case appeared in June 2025 when a traveler arrived and later contributed to infections in patients and detection in wastewater across 29 states.
Virologist Andrew Pekosz told The Mirror:
“It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.”
Dr. Marc Siegel of NYU Langone added that Cicada “could represent a significant public health risk,” though he cautioned that it’s “too soon” to know for certain. The CDC has also noted that the true number of cases may be “underrepresented” due to limited reporting.
The strain is being closely monitored by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, though researchers are still determining how easily it spreads and how severe infections may be compared to earlier variants like Priola (BA.2.86).
Symptoms of the Cicada variant So far, symptoms appear similar to those of other Covid strains. PBS reports that people infected with BA.3.2 may experience:
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Gastrointestinal issues
According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, early data shows no “distinctive clinical presentations,” meaning Cicada doesn’t seem to make people significantly sicker than other Covid variants.
Home testing kits still detect the virus, says Dr. Donald Milton from the University of Maryland.
Preventive measures remain unchanged: wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, wear a mask in crowded areas, and get plenty of rest.
Can Cicada evade vaccines? One concern with highly mutated variants is their potential to evade vaccine protection. Current shots like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna target the KP.8.1 strain, while Novavax focuses on JN.1. Most Covid strains circulating this year are still well-covered by these vaccines.
However, if BA.3.2 — the “Cicada” variant — becomes more widespread, early lab data suggests it could bypass immune defenses from both vaccines and previous infections, though research remains limited.
Vaccines may not fully prevent a Cicada infection, but they are still expected to lower the risk of severe illness. As University of Maryland respiratory expert Dr. Donald Milton explained:
“That still makes them worth taking.”
Because BA.3.2 is so different, our immune systems “may not be able to recognize the illness as quickly.” Experts continue to recommend vaccination, emphasizing that the shots remain effective at reducing severe disease and complications.
