The COVID-19 pandemic has seen numerous variants emerge since its onset, with the latest being BA.3.2, also known as “Cicada.” This heavily mutated variant, which is a descendent of BA.3, an omicron subvariant that emerged in 2022, was first identified in South Africa in November 2024. As of now, it has spread to at least 25 states in the United States and has been detected in 23 countries worldwide.
BA.3.2 is particularly concerning due to its 70-75 mutations in the spike protein, which may allow it to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections. Initial reports indicate that the symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, including cough, fever, sore throat, and fatigue. The variant was first detected in the U.S. at San Francisco International Airport on June 27, 2025.
The World Health Organization classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025, highlighting the importance of tracking its spread and impact. In Germany and some Northern European countries, BA.3.2 accounts for about 30% of COVID-19 sequences, indicating its rapid proliferation.
Despite the alarming mutations, current COVID vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against severe disease caused by BA.3.2. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre noted, “The new variant is still sensitive to COVID antiviral drugs that we have been developing, so at least those will work.” However, Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., cautioned, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.”
As of now, there is no evidence suggesting that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations compared to other variants. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr. stated, “I have not seen any data which indicates that Cicada is any more severe than other circulating variants.” Pekosz further remarked, “It’s increasing, but it hasn’t really caused a huge surge of infections anywhere.”
Despite these reassurances, the exact impact of BA.3.2 on public health and its potential to cause a surge in cases remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the effectiveness of current vaccines against this variant, necessitating ongoing research and monitoring.
