New COVID-19 variant: What is BA.3.2?
The new coronavirus variant BA.3.2, known as Cicada, is causing an increase in cases in the United States and globally. Look for symptoms to detect if you have been exposed.
A “highly mutated” new coronavirus variant detected in at least 25 states is gaining momentum, health officials say.
BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” began spreading internationally late last year and is on the list of variants tracked by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Although it was first detected in 2024, it has only recently started to account for significant numbers of infections, accounting for up to 30% of COVID-19 infections in some Eastern European countries as of February.
Experts say the mutated nature of BA.3.2 makes it more effective at evading vaccine formulations and immune systems that have built up resistance to other coronavirus infections. As USA TODAY previously reported, this could trigger another “summer surge” in the coming months.
Here’s what you need to know about “Cicada”, or variant BA.3.2.
What is the new coronavirus variant “Cicada” (BA.3.2)?
“Cicada” is the nickname given to the BA.3.2 variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The virus was first detected in June 2025 in a person who did not live in the U.S. but had traveled to the U.S. from abroad, and has remained largely undetected or “underground” since its discovery, earning it the nickname from the insect that rarely appears, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, previously told USA TODAY.
He said the first domestically transmitted case in a U.S. patient was diagnosed in January. Between then and the latest available data on February 11, it was detected in wastewater samples from 132 sites in at least 25 states, the CDC said. The variant was also present in samples of travelers’ voluntary nasal swabs. In September 2025, infections began to increase around the world.
Hopkins said the variant is considered “highly mutated” because 70 to 75 mutations make it different from the JN.1 strain, which has been the dominant strain in the United States for the past two years.
What are the symptoms of cicada subspecies?
Like most other variants, the symptoms of the Cicada variant are the same as those of other COVID-19 variant infections. According to the CDC, this may include:
- runny or stuffy nose
- heat
- headache
- fatigue
- sneeze
- sore throat
- cough
- muscle pain or body aches
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Changes in sense of smell or taste
Some later variants have a “razor-blade throat,” or extremely sore throat.
“I haven’t seen any data that shows cicadas are any more severe than other circulating variants,” Hopkins said. “Severe sore throat has been reported as a common symptom along with other typical coronavirus symptoms.”
How to tell the difference between coronavirus, influenza, and other seasonal illnesses
Symptoms of the new coronavirus infection are often said to be “flu-like” regardless of the variant, and it may be difficult to distinguish it from other seasonal illnesses.
The only sure way to know if you have the flu, COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness is to get tested. According to the CDC, symptoms alone generally cannot tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 because many symptoms overlap.
Some diseases are slightly more common than others. Significant changes or complete loss of the sense of taste or smell, especially symptoms that last for a long time without an obvious cause, are more commonly associated with COVID-19, the CDC said. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is also more often a sign of COVID-19 than the flu.
Also, the onset of coronavirus infection tends to occur a little later after infection than influenza. Flu symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after infection, but symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2 to 5 days after infection, and in some cases up to 14 days after infection.
What to do if the test result is positive
The mutations could mean existing COVID-19 boosters may not effectively prevent infection, but they could offer protection against severe disease and death, especially as vaccine formulations catch up.
“If you’re sick, get tested. If you’re positive, stay home until you feel better and test negative. If that’s not possible, wear a fitted N95 mask,” Rajendram Rajnarayanan, assistant dean and associate professor of research at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, previously told USA TODAY. “Boost it as soon as it’s available. Works for all most popular lineages, including XBB.1.16, EG.5.1, FL.1.5.1, and more.”
If you think you may have COVID-19 or have tested positive, the CDC suggests several ways to treat your symptoms and stop the spread.
- Stay home and away from others.
- Improve ventilation in your home.
- Wear an N95 or other high-quality mask when around others.
- Get the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
- Monitor your symptoms and stay in contact with your health care provider.
- Take prescribed medications and treatments.
- To manage symptoms such as headaches, rest and use over-the-counter medications.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and cleaning shared surfaces.
- Use our testing and treatment locations tool to find resources in your area.
