Reaction from the field
The emergence of the cicada COVID variant, officially designated as BA.3.2, is causing alarm across the United States as it spreads rapidly, detected in at least 25 states as of February 11, 2026. This highly mutated variant has raised significant concerns due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections, leading health officials to closely monitor its impact.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has since been reported in at least 23 countries. The World Health Organization classified it as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025, underscoring the urgency of understanding its implications. The variant is characterized by an alarming 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which may alter how the immune system recognizes and responds to it.
Common symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include cough, fever or chills, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. As the variant continues to spread, health experts are urging vigilance and caution among the public.
Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., a prominent virologist, emphasized 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 effectiveness of existing vaccines against BA.3.2, although Dr. Amesh A. Adalja reassured that the current vaccine likely protects against severe illness, which remains the primary concern.
Despite the growing presence of BA.3.2, Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre noted, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread.” This statement offers a glimmer of hope, yet the public health community remains on high alert as the situation evolves.
As of March 21, 2026, approximately 11% of wastewater samples tested positive for BA.3.2, indicating its increasing prevalence in communities. The reasons behind the resurgence of this variant are not fully understood, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its impact.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact effects of BA.3.2 on disease severity and the effectiveness of current vaccines. The ongoing monitoring by health authorities, including the CDC and WHO, will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this variant and its implications for public health.