Reaction from the field
The cicada COVID variant, officially designated as BA.3.2, is emerging as a significant concern in the United States due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines and prior infections. As of March 2026, BA.3.2 has been detected in at least 25 states, raising alarms among health officials and the public alike.
First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 has rapidly spread, with reports indicating its presence in at least 23 countries. The variant is characterized by a staggering 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which may allow it to circumvent the immune responses generated by existing vaccines. Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., noted, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” underscoring the variant’s potential threat.
Despite the alarming number of mutations, experts are cautious about the variant’s implications for disease severity. Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre stated, “There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread.” This observation provides a glimmer of hope amidst growing concerns, suggesting that while BA.3.2 may spread more easily, it does not necessarily lead to worse outcomes.
Current data shows that during the week ending March 21, 2026, BA.3.2 was detected in approximately 11% of wastewater samples in the U.S., indicating its increasing prevalence. The variant was first reported in the U.S. in June 2025, and since then, it has continued to spread, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify it as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025.
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. These symptoms are consistent with those of previous COVID-19 variants, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and seek testing if they experience any of these signs.
While the existing vaccines have shown effectiveness against severe illness from COVID-19, their efficacy against BA.3.2 remains a topic of investigation. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja remarked, “The existing vaccine is likely to protect against what matters most: serious illness,” providing some reassurance. However, the exact impact of BA.3.2 on disease severity is still unclear, and it is uncertain how effective current vaccines will be against this variant.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons for BA.3.2’s resurfacing and its implications for public health moving forward. As health authorities continue to monitor the situation, further developments are expected, and the public is encouraged to stay informed about the latest guidance from health officials.
