COVID Cicada Variant: What to Know About the New Strain Spreading Now

A new COVID variant has a nickname that’s raising eyebrows: Cicada. Officially designated BA.3.2, this strain is spreading rapidly across the globe and has now been detected in roughly half of US states. Public health officials are watching it closely. Here’s what we know so far.

What Is the Cicada Variant?

BA.3.2 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron family. It carries several mutations that differentiate it from earlier strains, particularly in the spike protein. That matters because vaccines and prior infections train the immune system to recognize that spike. When it changes, the body may not recognize the virus as quickly, which can mean more breakthrough infections.

The name “Cicada” emerged on social media and in research circles due to the variant’s genetic sequence patterns. It has not been officially named by the WHO, which typically assigns Greek letter designations. For now, BA.3.2 is the technical label, and Cicada is the nickname doing the rounds online.

Where Is It Spreading?

The variant has been detected in at least 25 US states, with case counts rising week over week. Globally, it has been identified in the UK, parts of Europe, Australia, and Japan. Early data suggests it may have a growth advantage over current dominant strains, meaning it spreads more efficiently from person to person.

Wastewater monitoring in several US cities has also flagged elevated coronavirus markers, even in areas where reported case counts are low. That suggests the actual spread may be significantly higher than official numbers indicate, since many people are no longer testing or reporting results.

Symptoms and Severity

Based on reports so far, BA.3.2 symptoms appear similar to other recent Omicron subvariants. Common symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, cough, fatigue, and body aches. Fever and loss of taste or smell are less common than with earlier variants. Most cases remain mild, particularly in vaccinated individuals.

However, health experts caution against complacency. Certain groups — older adults, immunocompromised people, and those with underlying health conditions — remain at higher risk for severe outcomes. Hospitalizations have ticked up modestly in some regions, though not at the alarming levels seen during earlier waves.

Should You Be Worried?

Right now, there’s no reason to panic. The vaccines and boosters still provide protection against severe disease from BA.3.2. Staying up to date on vaccinations, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if you’re at high risk, and staying home when sick remain the most effective strategies.

The situation could change. Viral evolution is unpredictable. But for now, the Cicada variant is a reason to stay vigilant, not to panic. Keep monitoring trusted sources like the CDC and WHO for updates as the picture becomes clearer over the coming weeks.