New 'Cicada' COVID Variant with 75 Mutations Spreads Across US
A highly mutated COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada', is currently spreading across 25 states in the US. Characterized by 70-75 spike protein mutations, it exhibits immune escape, prompting global health monitoring. While vaccines still protect against severe illness, a potential summer surge is being assessed.
Key Highlights
- BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant detected in 25 US states.
- Variant possesses 70-75 mutations in spike protein.
- First identified in South Africa in November 2024.
- Shows immune escape characteristics, raising concerns.
- Current vaccines expected to offer severe disease protection.
- Detected in 23 countries, indicating global spread.
A newly identified COVID-19 variant, officially designated BA.3.2 and colloquially known as 'Cicada,' is actively spreading across the United States, raising concerns among health officials and researchers globally. This variant is notable for its substantial genetic alterations, characterized by approximately 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, the critical component the virus uses to enter human cells. These numerous mutations are believed to contribute to the variant's 'immune escape characteristics,' suggesting it may be more adept at bypassing existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.
The BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant was first identified in a respiratory sample in South Africa in November 2024. It made its way to the US by June 2025, confirmed in a traveler arriving from the Netherlands. By late 2025, the variant had established a significant presence in parts of Europe, accounting for roughly 30% of sequenced cases in countries like Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. As of February 11 of the current year (2026), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 23 countries have detected the 'Cicada' variant, underscoring its growing international footprint.
In the US, the CDC began actively tracking BA.3.2 on March 19, 2026, following observations of a steady increase in cases. Surveillance data, including clinical samples and wastewater analysis via tools like Stanford University's WasteWaterSCAN, confirms its presence across 25 states. While it accounted for only 3.7% of wastewater samples as of March 14, experts caution that the actual spread could be wider due to limitations in genomic surveillance in certain regions. Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., Medical Director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, noted that while the variant's trajectory is uncertain, it has the potential to become the dominant strain and drive a 'summer COVID surge' in the United States.
Despite its immune escape properties, current assessments indicate that existing COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are still expected to provide protection against severe disease and death caused by the BA.3.2 variant. Scientists continue to monitor and study the variant's potential impact on immunity and the effectiveness of available interventions. Public health authorities emphasize the ongoing importance of genomic surveillance to track the variant's evolution, spread, and overall public health impact. The emergence of 'Cicada' highlights the continued need for vigilance and adaptive public health strategies in response to the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus. The nickname 'Cicada' itself reflects its unusual emergence pattern, having remained relatively undetected before surfacing more prominently in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new COVID-19 variant spreading in the US?
The new COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the US is known as BA.3.2, which has been nicknamed 'Cicada'.
How many mutations does the BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant have?
The BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant is characterized by approximately 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein.
Are current vaccines effective against the 'Cicada' variant?
Current COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are still expected to offer protection against severe disease and death from the BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant, although scientists are continuing to study its potential to evade immunity.
Where has the 'Cicada' variant been detected globally?
The BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant was first identified in South Africa in November 2024 and has since been reported in at least 23 countries as of February 11, 2026, including across 25 states in the US and parts of Europe.
What are the potential concerns regarding the BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant?
Concerns regarding the BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant stem from its numerous mutations, immune escape characteristics, and its potential to drive a 'summer COVID surge' and become the dominant strain, despite current vaccines still offering protection against severe outcomes.