Cicada COVID Variant BA.3.2 Raises Concerns in the United States
Reaction from the field
The cicada COVID variant, known scientifically as BA.3.2, presents a significant public health concern as it spreads across the United States. This highly mutated variant has been detected in at least 25 states as of February 11, 2026, and poses potential challenges to existing immunity from vaccines and prior infections. The variant’s ability to evade immune responses could complicate ongoing efforts to control the pandemic.
BA.3.2 was first identified in South Africa in November 2024 and has since been reported in at least 23 countries. The variant is characterized by an alarming 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which may enable it to circumvent the immune system’s defenses. According to Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system,” highlighting the variant’s potential to evade recognition by the body’s immune response.
Despite these concerns, experts have noted that there is currently no evidence indicating that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or higher rates of hospitalization in regions where it is prevalent. 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,” suggesting that while the variant is concerning, its immediate impact on health outcomes may not be as dire as initially feared.
Furthermore, health officials are monitoring the situation closely. The World Health Organization classified BA.3.2 as a “variant under monitoring” in December 2025, reflecting the need for ongoing surveillance and research. The CDC is also tracking the variant’s spread, with reports indicating that 11% of wastewater samples collected during the week ending March 21, 2026, contained BA.3.2, underscoring its increasing prevalence.
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 similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and seek testing if they exhibit any signs of illness.
Experts remain cautiously optimistic about the effectiveness of existing vaccines against BA.3.2. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja noted, “The existing vaccine is likely to protect against what matters most: serious illness,” suggesting that while the variant may evade some immune responses, the vaccines could still offer substantial protection against severe outcomes. However, uncertainties persist regarding the overall efficacy of vaccines against this variant.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of BA.3.2 on disease severity and the reasons for its resurgence. As the situation evolves, health authorities continue to assess the variant’s implications for public health and vaccination strategies. The ongoing research will be critical in determining how best to respond to this emerging threat.