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

The strain, officially known as BA.3.2, is being closely tracked by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. World Health Organization (World Health Organization) due to its unusually high number of mutations and potential for further spread.

Experts say the nickname comes from the fact that the variant was largely “underground” for months before re-emerging, similar to cicada insect Remain dormant for many years.

Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr. of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases told USA TODAY that BA.3.2 was first detected globally in South Africa in November 2024 and was subsequently detected in a traveler entering the United States in June 2025.

Also read: ‘Serious consequences’: Putin likens devastation caused by US-Iraq war to COVID-19 pandemic

“Monitoring the spread of BA.3.2 provides valuable information about the potential for this new SARS-CoV-2 lineage to evade immunity,” the CDC noted in the report.

Because of these mutations, experts say existing vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection but may still hold promise in preventing severe disease. Hopkins added that while there were concerns, it was “by no means certain” that cicadas would become dominant.

Separate tracking data from WastewaterSCAN (led by Stanford University) shows that the variant accounted for about 3.7% of samples as of mid-March.

Globally, more than 20 countries have reported the variant, including JapanKenya, the Netherlands and the UK. The CDC estimates that in some parts of northern Europe it already accounts for 30% of sequenced cases.

Some patients also report severe sore throats, sometimes described as “razor throat,” although experts say there is currently no evidence that cicadas cause more severe illness.

“I haven’t seen any data that suggests Cicada is more severe than other prevalent variants,” Hopkins said.

Vaccination and booster doses continue to be recommended, particularly to reduce the risk of serious consequences.

Experts also stress the importance of testing and ventilation, especially in areas where new variants are emerging.

While the Cicada variant is not yet dominant, its high mutation count and growing global impact puts it firmly on the radar of health agencies in 2026.

For now, officials say continued surveillance and basic prevention measures remain key as scientists assess whether BA.3.2 will drive future waves of infections.