Highly mutated BA.3.2 'Cicada' COVID variant hits 25 US states: See full list

By Admin

28 Mar, 2026

A new and highly mutated COVID-19 variant, known as BA.3.2 and informally called “Cicada,” is drawing global attention as it continues to spread across multiple regions. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are closely monitoring its behavior and impact.

Emerging Spread Across the United States

The BA.3.2 variant has now been detected in at least 25 U.S. states through wastewater surveillance, clinical testing, and traveler screenings as of February 2026. Some of the key affected states include:

• California

• Florida

• Michigan

• New York

• Missouri

• Texas

Additional states reporting cases include Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

While current prevalence remains relatively low in the U.S., global trends suggest a gradual increase.

Global Presence and Rising Cases in Europe

Beyond the United States, BA.3.2 has been identified in at least 23 countries worldwide. Notably, it has gained stronger traction in parts of Europe.

Recent reports indicate that the variant accounts for up to 30% of COVID samples in countries like Denmark, Germany, and Netherlands, signaling a notable regional surge.

What is BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’?

BA.3.2 is a descendant of the BA.3 Omicron subvariant, which originally surfaced in 2022 but did not remain dominant for long.

• First detected in South Africa on November 22, 2024

• Re-emerged with increasing detections from September 2025

• Nicknamed “Cicada” due to its long period of dormancy before resurfacing

What makes this variant concerning is its high number of mutations approximately 70–75 changes in the spike protein. These mutations may help the virus partially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.

Severity and Expert Insights

Despite its mutations, early research provides some reassurance.

According to Adolfo García-Sastre, there is currently no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness or increased hospitalizations compared to earlier variants.

Experts emphasize that while it can still cause infections, it does not appear to be more dangerous than previous Omicron strains.

Common Symptoms of BA.3.2

The symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are similar to other Omicron subvariants. These include:

• Cough

• Fever or chills

• Sore throat

• Nasal congestion

• Shortness of breath

• Loss of smell or taste

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Gastrointestinal issues

What This Means Going Forward

The emergence of BA.3.2 “Cicada” highlights the ongoing evolution of COVID-19. While it does not currently pose a higher risk of severe disease, its ability to spread and partially evade immunity makes it important for continued monitoring.

Public health experts recommend staying updated with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and remaining cautious as new variants continue to emerge.