A new COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, informally called “Cicada,” is currently being monitored by health experts around the world. While new variants are expected as the virus continues to evolve, this one has gained attention due to its number of mutations and increasing detection across multiple countries.

Where and When It Was Detected

The BA.3.2 variant was first identified in South Africa in 2024 during routine genomic surveillance. It remained relatively limited at first but began to show wider spread by late 2025, prompting closer monitoring by global health authorities.

As of early 2026, the variant has been detected in more than 20 countries, indicating that it has achieved international spread, although not yet at levels considered highly concerning.

What Makes This Variant Different

BA.3.2 is part of the Omicron lineage but carries a large number of mutations, estimated to be more than 70. These mutations are primarily located in areas of the virus that affect transmission and immune response.

Because of this, experts are studying whether the variant may spread more easily compared to earlier strains partially evade immunity from previous infection or vaccination

At present, it is classified as a variant under monitoring, meaning it is being closely observed but is not yet considered a major global threat.

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

Current data show that symptoms associated with BA.3.2 remain similar to previous Omicron variants.

Common symptoms include:

• sore throat
• cough
• fever
• fatigue
• runny nose or nasal congestion

There is no clear evidence so far that this variant causes more severe illness compared to earlier variants.

Vaccines and Protection

Existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

However, like other Omicron subvariants, BA.3.2 may have some ability to partially escape immune protection, which could lead to increased breakthrough infections.

Vaccination and booster doses remain important, especially for high-risk populations.

What This Means Moving Forward

The emergence of BA.3.2 highlights that COVID-19 remains an evolving public health concern. While the variant does not currently show signs of increased severity, its spread reinforces the need for continued surveillance and preparedness.

Health systems are better equipped today, and existing strategies such as vaccination, testing when symptomatic, and protecting vulnerable groups continue to be effective.

The BA.3.2 or Cicada variant is a new Omicron subvariant first detected in South Africa in 2024 and now present in multiple countries by 2026. It is being monitored due to its mutations and spread, but current evidence suggests it behaves similarly to other recent variants.

Sources

World Health Organization COVID 19 Weekly Epidemiological Updates and Variant Tracking
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SARS CoV 2 Variant Classifications and Definitions
UK Health Security Agency SARS CoV 2 Variants Technical Briefings
GISAID Initiative Global SARS CoV 2 Genomic Surveillance Data
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control COVID 19 Variants Overview