New COVID 'cicada' variant spreads to 25 states: What to know

KOMO • March 31, 2026 • health

Key Points:

The new COVID variant BA 3.2, nicknamed "cicada," has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states, with initial identification in the U.S. dating back to June 2025 and first discovered in South Africa in November 2024.
The variant has been found in various samples, including nasal swabs from travelers, airplane wastewater, clinical patient samples, and widespread wastewater testing, indicating high transmissibility and potential antibody evasion.
The CDC warns that variants like BA 3.2 could contribute to seasonal increases in COVID-19 cases and emphasizes the importance of robust surveillance to guide preparedness and vaccine updates.
Symptoms of the cicada variant are similar to other COVID-19 variants, including runny nose, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and changes in smell or taste, with no current evidence suggesting increased severity.
Despite reduced overall severity compared to earlier pandemic stages, COVID-19 still caused significant hospitalizations and deaths during the 2024–2025 respiratory season, highlighting ongoing public health concerns.

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