The numbers
The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States, with cases reported in 29 states and 23 countries as of February 2026. First identified in Africa in November 2024, the variant has raised alarms due to its significant genetic mutations.
BA.3.2 carries between 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, which could potentially undermine the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines. Experts warn that due to the high number of mutations, the variant may more easily bypass immunity from previous infections or existing vaccinations.
Despite these concerns, there is no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe disease than earlier variants. Emily Ronay Johnston, a noted epidemiologist, stated, “There’s no sign so far that BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, is any more dangerous or causes more severe disease than the variants that were circulating in the winter of 2025-26.” This sentiment is echoed by health officials who emphasize that the majority of infections with this variant are relatively mild, particularly among vaccinated individuals.
COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, with the virus causing 300 to 500 deaths per week in the U.S. The first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, and since then, the variant has been monitored closely as it spreads.
Symptoms associated with the Cicada variant include cough, extreme fatigue, runny nose, headache, sore throat, mild fever, generalized muscle and joint pain, loss of taste or smell, night sweats, and rash. While these symptoms are concerning, experts maintain that the variant is not more dangerous than previous strains.
As the situation evolves, public health officials remain vigilant. The long-term impact of the BA.3.2 variant on public health is still unclear, and the effectiveness of current vaccines against this variant is not fully confirmed. Observers are closely watching the data as it emerges.
In summary, while the BA.3.2 variant is spreading rapidly and poses challenges due to its mutations, experts advise that there is no immediate cause for panic. The variant may infect people more widely due to immune evasion, but current evidence suggests it does not lead to more severe illness than prior variants. Details remain unconfirmed.