The BA.3.2 variant of COVID-19, dubbed the “Cicada variant,” has been detected in at least 25 states across the United States, raising alarms among health officials. First identified in South Africa in November 2024, this variant has approximately 70-75 mutations in its spike protein, which could potentially affect vaccine efficacy.
According to wastewater surveillance, BA.3.2 has been found across 132 monitoring sites in the U.S., with 11% of samples containing the variant during the week ending March 21. In some European countries, such as Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, BA.3.2 accounts for about 30% of COVID-19 cases, indicating its rapid spread.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. Despite the concerning number of mutations, experts like Andrew Pekosz have noted that while the variant appears alarming on paper, it has not significantly impacted disease severity or mortality rates in most regions.
Currently, the CDC and WHO classify BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring,” a designation given in December 2025. This classification reflects ongoing concerns about its potential to evade immune responses generated by existing vaccines, which primarily target variants from the Omicron lineage, particularly JN.1 and its descendants.
Brandon Dionne, a virologist, expressed concern about the variant’s mutations, stating, “There definitely are quite a few mutations with this one, so there’s concern that the current vaccine is not going to be a great match.” However, Pekosz reassured that vaccination remains a crucial tool in limiting cases, emphasizing the importance of protecting high-risk individuals and maintaining standard precautions.
Despite the current situation, the exact prevalence of BA.3.2 in the U.S. remains unclear, largely due to reduced surveillance efforts. Furthermore, it is uncertain how effective current vaccines will be against this variant, leaving health officials and the public awaiting further data. Details remain unconfirmed.
As the situation evolves, health authorities continue to monitor BA.3.2 closely, balancing vigilance with the understanding that the variant has not yet led to a significant increase in severe disease. The ongoing focus remains on vaccination and protective measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 as new variants emerge.
