Cicada COVID strain: Key symptoms and what we know so far
The BA.3.2 variant, with 70–75 mutations, may partially evade immunity but shows similar symptoms to recent COVID strains, detected in 25 US states and parts of Europe.
- Global health authorities, including the World Health Organisation and the CDC, are monitoring the highly mutated BA.3.2 COVID variant, nicknamed "Cicada," which has emerged across 23 countries and at least 25 U.S. states.
- The variant earned its nickname because it remained largely undetected after its 2024 discovery, resurfacing recently like the insect, as Dr. Stephen Blatt, a TriHealth infectious disease director, noted.
- Scientists report the variant contains around 70 to 75 mutations, significantly differing from previous strains, though experts emphasize there is currently no indication it causes more severe illness.
- Researchers expect current vaccines to remain effective against severe disease despite mutations that may help the virus evade some immunity, and experts advise maintaining up-to-date booster shots.
- Health officials currently classify the strain as a "variant under monitoring," urging awareness rather than alarm while recommending standard precautions like hand hygiene and masking.
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BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant Symptoms: Should You Be Worried? Is Your Vaccine Effective Against SARS-CoV-2 Lineage?
The BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’ COVID variant is being closely monitored worldwide. Here’s what to know about its symptoms, spread, severity, and whether current vaccines remain effective against this SARS-CoV-2 lineage.
New COVID Strain With Immune-Evasion Mutation Detected in South Carolina
A newly emerging COVID-19 variant has been detected in South Carolina, raising concern as cases begin to increase nationwide. The variant, known as BA.3.2 and nicknamed “Cicada,” is being tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after surveillance identified a steady rise in infections. Cases have now been confirmed in at least 25 states, including South Carolina. Details Health officials say the Cicada variant carries mutations…
BA.3.2 Cicada Variant: Symptoms, Spread and Protection
The BA.3.2 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, widely nicknamed the “Cicada” variant, has been confirmed in 23 countries and detected in wastewater surveillance across 25 U.S. states as of February 11, 2026, according to the CDC. Public health officials are watching it closely, but the current picture does not justify alarm. What it justifies is staying informed. […]
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