The "Cicada" COVID Variant (BA.3.2): What You Need to Know About the Highly Mutated Strain

Share With Other!

LAHORE / GENEVA — A new chapter in the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding as the BA.3.2 variant, dubbed “Cicada,” begins to gain traction across the globe. Named after the insect that remains underground for years before surfacing in massive numbers, the Cicada variant first appeared in late 2024 but only recently emerged as a significant lineage under monitoring.

Why Is It Called the “Cicada” Variant?

The nickname stems from the variant’s unusual evolutionary pattern. While most variants evolve rapidly from the currently dominant strain, BA.3.2 is a descendant of the BA.3 Omicron lineage that was last seen in early 2022. It effectively “stayed underground” for nearly two years, accumulating mutations quietly before resurfacing in late 2025.

The Genetic Profile: A “Highly Divergent” Strain

What has scientists on alert is the sheer number of mutations found in the Cicada variant. It carries roughly 70 to 75 mutations in the spike protein compared to the original Wuhan strain, and over 50 mutations relative to its ancestor, BA.3.

These mutations are primarily located in areas that help the virus bind to human cells and evade antibodies. This high level of “genetic divergence” suggests that the virus has been evolving in a way that may allow it to partially bypass immunity from previous infections or earlier vaccine formulations.

Global Spread and Current Status

As of mid-February 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed the presence of BA.3.2 in:

25 U.S. States: Detected through wastewater surveillance and traveler screenings.
23 Countries: Including significant clusters in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, where it has recently accounted for up to 30% of sequenced cases.
Australia and South Africa: Early hotspots where the lineage was first identified and monitored.

Symptoms and Severity

Despite the high mutation count, early clinical data provides some reassurance.

Severity: There is currently no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness, higher hospitalization rates, or increased mortality compared to recent Omicron strains like JN.1.
Symptoms: The clinical profile remains consistent with previous versions of the virus. Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, and fever.

Vaccine Effectiveness

Public health experts emphasize that while BA.3.2 shows enhanced “immune escape” in laboratory settings, current 2025-2026 vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and hospitalization. The WHO has officially designated BA.3.2 as a “Variant Under Monitoring” (VUM) to determine if a future vaccine update will be necessary.

About Author

Muhammad Saif Ul Islam

Muhammad Saif is an experienced SEO content and news writer with 4 years of expertise in creating engaging, optimized content. Skilled in keyword research, SEO strategy, and crafting timely news articles, Muhammad Saif helps brands boost visibility and connect with audiences. Known for simplifying complex topics, Muhammad Saif delivers impactful content that informs and inspires.