The numbers
The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed Cicada, is spreading quickly across the United States. As of February 2026, it has been detected in 23 countries and 29 U.S. states, raising alarms among health officials.
First identified in November 2024 in Africa, the BA.3.2 variant carries 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, which may affect how the virus interacts with the immune system. Experts are concerned that these mutations could allow the variant to evade immunity from previous infections or current vaccines. “Due to the high number of mutations, experts worry the variant may more easily bypass immunity from previous infections or current vaccines,” a health official stated.
Despite these concerns, there is currently no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe disease than previous variants. Emily Ronay Johnston, a virologist, noted, “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 other experts who emphasize that the majority of people infected with this variant report relatively mild illness, particularly among those who are vaccinated.
COVID-19 continues to pose a public health challenge, with the virus causing 300-500 deaths per week in the U.S. The first U.S. case of BA.3.2 was detected in a traveler in June 2025, indicating that the variant has been present for several months. While the variant may infect people more widely due to immune evasion, it is not considered more dangerous than its predecessors.
The historical context of the BA.3.2 variant is important, as it is descended from the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021. This lineage has been characterized by its rapid spread and mutations, leading to ongoing adjustments in public health responses and vaccine strategies.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the long-term impact of the BA.3.2 variant on public health remains unclear. The effectiveness of current vaccines against this variant is also not fully confirmed. Details remain unconfirmed.
In summary, while the Cicada variant is spreading rapidly and presents challenges due to its mutations, experts advise that there is no immediate cause for panic. The situation is being closely monitored as more data becomes available, and public health measures continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of COVID-19 variants.
