US EditionNew COVID Variant: Symptoms of New Cicada Virus that’s Circulating
The BA.3.2 variant, known as Cicada, is detected in 132 wastewater samples across 25 U.S. states and shows symptoms similar to other COVID-19 infections.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the "highly mutated" BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed "Cicada," has spread to 25 U.S. states since first detected in South Africa in November 2024.
- Detected via the CDC's Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program, the variant entered the U.S. via a traveler from the Netherlands in June 2025, remaining "underground" until wastewater monitoring identified it at 132 sites.
- Characterized by 70 to 75 genetic mutations, the variant causes symptoms including severe sore throat similar to other COVID-19 infections. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, noted no data indicates increased severity.
- While current vaccines may not recognize this variant as quickly, experts emphasize they still reduce hospitalizations and deaths. Dr. Akshay explained severity depends on individual factors like age and health conditions, not the variant alone.
- Globally, the variant has been reported in at least 23 countries, while Florida and Massachusetts stand out as the only two states where the CDC describes the epidemic trend as "likely growing.
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19 Articles
What we know about the new 'cicada' COVID-19 variant
Its official name is BA.3.2, but it’s earned the nickname "cicada" because, analogous to the insect’s pattern, it first appeared back in 2024, went dormant for a while, and resurfaced in the U.S. late last year.
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, called BA.3.2, has already been detected in at least 23 countries and generates attention due to its capacity for greater immune escape.In spite of this, international agencies indicate that there is no evidence that it causes a more serious disease or significantly reduces protection against severe conditions.The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that, although the variant shows a significant evasion of antibodi…
'Cicada' COVID-19 variant not yet detected in PH
The Philippines has not yet recorded a COVID-19 case linked to the strain known as "Cicada," which has been found in several nations, including the United States, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.
‘Cicada’ Covid variant to reach Thailand, but not scary
The Covid variant known as Cicada, which has recently been detected in the United States and other countries, will eventually reach Thailand, but it is not considered serious and requires no additional vaccination, the Ministry of Public Health said on Friday.
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