Health officials are closely monitoring a new, highly mutated COVID-19 variant officially known as BA.3.2, which has been nicknamed “Cicada.”

Health officials are closely monitoring a new, highly mutated COVID-19 variant officially known as BA.3.2, which has been nicknamed “Cicada.” As of late March 2026, it has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states and over 20 countries.

Here is what you should know about this emerging strain:

Why is it called “Cicada”?

The nickname (coined by biology professor T. Ryan Gregory) refers to the variant’s unusual evolutionary path. Like the insect, the lineage seems to have stayed “underground” for years. It is a descendant of the BA.3 Omicron subvariant, which first appeared in 2022 but mostly disappeared until this new, heavily mutated version resurfaced in late 2024 and began spreading more efficiently in 2025.

Key Characteristics

• High Mutation Count: Cicada carries between 70 and 75 mutations in its spike protein. This is roughly double the amount seen in recent dominant strains like JN.1.
• Immune Evasion: Because of these mutations, early laboratory data suggests the variant is better at evading antibodies from both prior infections and current vaccinations.
• Presence in the U.S.: While it currently accounts for a very small percentage of total cases (roughly 0.2%), it has been detected primarily through wastewater surveillance and traveler testing in states including California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of the Cicada variant are largely similar to previous Omicron strains, though some healthcare providers have noted specific trends:

• “Razorblade” Sore Throat: A severe, painful sore throat is frequently reported.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some reports indicate a higher frequency of nausea or diarrhea compared to other recent strains.
• Standard Symptoms: Cough, fever, congestion, fatigue, and headache remain common.

Is it More Dangerous?

Current data from the CDC and WHO (which classified it as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025) suggests that while Cicada may be more contagious, there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease or higher rates of hospitalization than previous variants.

Experts note that while the high number of mutations might make current vaccines less effective at preventing infection, they are still expected to provide strong protection against severe illness and death.