A novel COVID-19 variant is spreading in the United States, raising concerns among health experts about its potential to evade certain vaccines. Dubbed as “Cicada” due to its extended dormancy and noisy resurgence, this strain is driving an increase in cases globally, with initial data indicating its high level of mutations may enhance transmissibility, prompting authorities to be on high alert.
Officially designated as BA.3.2, Cicada is a derivative of the Omicron subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. Initially identified in South Africa in November 2024, it only started circulating more widely in September 2025. The variant has since been detected in 23 countries, with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) indicating it accounts for up to 30% of cases in certain parts of Europe.
Renowned virologist Andrew Pekosz noted the variant’s numerous mutations may alter its recognition by the immune system. Dr. Marc Siegel from health institution NYU Langone expressed concerns about the potential public health threat Cicada presents, cautioning that its low prevalence currently makes it premature to predict its impact on a community-wide scale.
Although the variant was first identified in a traveler passing through San Francisco International Airport from the Netherlands in June 2025, it wasn’t until January 2026 that BA.3.2 was confirmed in a clinical sample from a US patient. As of February 11, Cicada had been detected in four US travelers, five patients, and in airline and wastewater samples across 25 states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, according to the CDCP.
Dr. Robery H. Hopkins Jr., the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, speculated that Cicada could potentially drive a summer surge of COVID-19 cases in the US and become the dominant strain, although this outcome is uncertain.
Contrary to earlier strains, the Cicada variant does not exhibit distinct symptoms, and there is currently no evidence suggesting it leads to more severe illness, as reported by the NY Post. Epidemiologist Dr. Syra Madad emphasized the need to determine whether the variant poses a significant health risk, highlighting the absence of population-level data indicating increased severity.
Typical symptoms associated with Cicada are akin to most COVID-19 cases and include cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, loss of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal problems, according to Today. The manifestation of symptoms varies, and in many cases, they can be alleviated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Furthermore, the variant can result in asymptomatic infections, where individuals may remain unaware of being carriers but can still spread the virus.
For individuals suspecting COVID-19 infection, the CDCP advises staying home, avoiding contact with others, and utilizing high-quality masks when in proximity to people. The focus should be on recuperation through rest and hydration, along with managing fever or pain using over-the-counter remedies. Seeking emergency medical assistance is recommended for those experiencing severe symptoms like breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or skin.
In 2025 alone, COVID-19 contributed to an estimated 290,000 to 450,000 hospitalizations and 34,000 to 53,000 deaths in the US, per the CDCP. Despite the spike protein mutations in BA.3.2 potentially impacting immunity, experts stress that vaccines remain effective, particularly in preventing severe disease.
Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, director of the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute at Mt. Sinai, underscored the ongoing efficacy of current vaccines against the Cicada variant, although the exact level of protection remains unclear.
