Highly mutated BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’ COVID variant hits 25 US states: See full list

according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)As of February 2026, the variant has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states through wastewater surveillance, clinical samples and traveler testing. Globally, the variant has appeared in at least 23 countries.

While its overall prevalence in the United States remains low, testing rates have increased significantly in parts of Europe. according to today.comIn recent months, it has accounted for as much as 30% of samples in countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

For nearly a year, the variant went virtually undetected, and starting in September 2025, detections began to increase. The researchers nicknamed it “cicada” because, like the insect that spends years underground before emerging, this variant remained low profile for long periods of time before making major changes.

This variant carries approximately 70-75 substitutions and deletions in the spike protein compared to the most recent dominant strain. Laboratory studies show that these changes allow it to partially evade antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.

However, experts stress there is no evidence it causes more severe illness.

“There is no evidence that BA.3.2 causes more severe illness or hospitalizations in countries where it is more prevalent,” Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, director of the Institute for Global Health and Emerging Pathogens at Mount Sinai, told TODAY.com.

“Of course it can still cause problems, but it’s no more problematic than previous strains,” Garcia-Sastre said.

cough

fever or chills

sore throat

congestion

Shortness of breath

Loss of smell or taste

fatigue

Headache

gastrointestinal symptoms

Also read: What is the “Cicada” coronavirus variant? All you need to know about the highly mutated strain spreading in the U.S.

california

connecticut

Florida

hawaii

idaho

Louisiana

maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

michigan

missouri

nevada

New Hampshire

new jersey

New York

Ohio

pennsylvania

rhode island

south carolina

Texas

Utah

Vermont

virginia

Wyoming