US Monitors Emerging COVID-19 Variant BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’ Amid Rising Global Detection

A newly identified COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, also known as “Cicada,” is drawing attention from health authorities in the United States and globally as its presence gradually increases.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a March 19 report, confirmed it is monitoring the variant after surveillance data showed a steady rise in cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also classified the variant as one to monitor, noting its growing detection across countries including Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Although BA.3.2 currently represents a relatively small share of cases in the U.S., it has been identified in more than 20 countries and accounts for up to 30% of cases in some regions, according to CDC data.

“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,” the CDC stated.

The variant is considered highly mutated, with approximately 70–75 mutations distinguishing it from previously dominant strains. First detected globally in November 2024 and later identified in the U.S. through travel-related cases, BA.3.2 has since been found in wastewater surveillance samples across multiple states, indicating wider circulation.

Health experts note that while the variant’s growth is being closely tracked, further data is required to assess its transmissibility, severity, and potential impact on vaccine effectiveness.