BA.3.2, also referred to as ‘Cicada’, is a heavily mutated COVID-19 variant that has raised concerns due to its potential to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections. This variant was first identified in November 2024 in South Africa and has since spread to at least 25 states in the United States.
As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 has been reported in at least 23 countries worldwide. The variant is characterized by having 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, distinguishing it from other variants. Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, including cough, fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
In the U.S., BA.3.2 was first detected on June 27, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified BA.3.2 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ in December 2025, indicating the global health community’s attention to its spread.
Currently, BA.3.2 accounts for about 30% of COVID-19 sequences in Germany and some Northern European countries. In the U.S., it has been detected in wastewater samples, with approximately 3.7% of samples nationwide showing traces of the variant. Experts note that while BA.3.2 has a significant number of mutations, it is still sensitive to COVID antiviral drugs that have been developed.
Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist, commented, “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” while also noting that the variant is increasing but has not caused a significant surge in infections. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr. added, “I have not seen any data which indicates that Cicada is any more severe than other circulating variants.”
Despite the concerns, current COVID vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against severe disease caused by BA.3.2. However, the exact impact of this variant on public health and its potential to cause a surge in cases remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the effectiveness of current vaccines against BA.3.2, necessitating further research.
