The BA.3.2 variant of COVID-19, also referred to as ‘Cicada,’ is a highly mutated strain that appears to have an enhanced ability to evade immunity gained from vaccines or previous infections. Although overall COVID-19 cases remain low across the United States, this variant is gaining momentum worldwide.
BA.3.2 first emerged over a year ago and remained relatively unnoticed until last fall, when its spread accelerated in several countries, including the US. By February 11, 2026, the variant had been identified in at least 25 US states, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Initially detected in November 2024 in South Africa, BA.3.2 is a descendant of the BA.3 omicron subvariant, which appeared in 2022 and briefly circulated alongside BA.1 and BA.2. While BA.3 itself diminished over time, it never fully disappeared. After accumulating dozens of mutations over two years, BA.3.2 emerged and further split into two sublineages: BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2.
Since 2024, BA.3.2 circulated quietly, overshadowed by dominant variants like Nimbus and XFG, both descendants of BA.2. However, its transmission increased notably last September. Experts note that BA.3.2 was initially replicating under the radar before spreading more efficiently between individuals.
This variant carries approximately 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, a significant number that distinguishes it from strains such as JN.1 and LP.8.1, which are the focus of current COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC describes BA.3.2 as a genetically distinct lineage compared to recent variants. Laboratory studies have shown that BA.3.2 can effectively evade antibodies due to these spike protein changes.
Interestingly, some mutations may reduce the virus’s ability to bind to human cells, meaning that while it may escape immune detection, it might also have a diminished capacity to infect cells efficiently.
By February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 had been detected in at least 23 countries, with the highest number of cases reported in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The variant was first identified in the US in June 2025 in a traveler arriving from the Netherlands at San Francisco International Airport. Since then, it has been found in additional travelers, COVID-19 patients, and wastewater samples.
Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 are consistent with those caused by other COVID-19 variants currently circulating. Common symptoms include cough, fever or chills, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, headache, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. These symptoms typically resolve on their own with supportive care.
Concerns about BA.3.2 stem from its spike protein mutations, which may impact vaccine effectiveness and suggest a need for vaccine reformulation. The COVID-19 vaccines developed for the 2025-2026 season target the JN.1 lineage and remain effective at preventing severe illness from circulating strains. However, laboratory data indicate reduced vaccine efficacy against BA.3.2, though further research is ongoing.
While the exact level of protection provided by current vaccines against BA.3.2 is not fully determined, it is believed that some degree of immunity persists. The World Health Organization maintains that existing vaccines are expected to continue offering protection against severe disease. Vaccine formulations are typically updated annually during the summer to cover multiple strains.
In the meantime, preventive measures such as testing when symptomatic, self-isolating when ill, and wearing masks in crowded indoor environments remain important strategies to reduce transmission.
