The COVID variant BA.3.2, known as Cicada, is causing rising cases in the U.S. and globally, raising alarms among health officials. The variant, first detected in a traveler to the United States in June 2025, has since spread rapidly, with the first U.S. case diagnosed in January 2026.
As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 has been reported in at least 25 states across the U.S. and is responsible for approximately 30% of COVID-19 sequences in Germany and some Northern European countries. The World Health Organization classified BA.3.2 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ in December 2025, highlighting its potential impact.
BA.3.2 is characterized by a highly mutated spike protein, with 70-75 mutations identified. This raises concerns about its ability to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. According to the CDC, “Monitoring the spread of BA.3.2 provides valuable information about the potential for this new SARS-CoV-2 lineage to evade immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.”
In the U.S., BA.3.2 has been detected in 3.7% of wastewater samples as of March 14, 2026, indicating its prevalence in communities. The variant has been reported in at least 23 countries, underscoring its global reach.
Despite the alarming statistics, experts like Dr. Andrew Pekosz emphasize that while BA.3.2 looks concerning on paper, it has not yet significantly impacted disease severity in most regions. However, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr. warns that low vaccination rates and insufficient public health measures leave the population vulnerable.
Current COVID vaccines are expected to continue providing protection against severe disease from BA.3.2, but the effectiveness of these vaccines against the variant is still being studied. As the situation evolves, health officials urge continued vigilance and vaccination efforts.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential for BA.3.2 to cause a surge in cases in the U.S. Further developments are anticipated as researchers and health authorities monitor the variant closely.