A new COVID variant is spreading, and experts are beginning to take notice. It has been given an unusual nickname: “Cicada.” There’s a reason behind it.
The strain, known as BA.3.2, is drawing increased attention. One major factor is the large number of changes in its spike protein, which set it apart from other versions currently circulating.
“Perhaps more concerning is the variant’s slew of genetic changes in its spike protein, which set it apart from other variants circulating,” said Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D., a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in an interview with TODAY.
The virus that causes COVID‑19 continues to evolve as it spreads. This is normal and leads to new variants over time. Most variants today are very similar, with only small differences. But experts say BA.3.2 is different — it clearly stands out.
Cicada – a new COVID strain Scientists say it was first detected in South Africa in 2024, but it remained quiet for a long stretch before suddenly reappearing.
It has now been identified in more than 20 countries worldwide. According to the CDC, it is circulating in at least 25 U.S. states.
The nickname comes from the cicada insect, which can stay underground for years before emerging again. Experts say this variant behaves similarly. Scientists report that it carries many mutations — roughly 70 to 75 changes in the spike protein. That could make it easier to spread and better at evading immunity.
There is some encouraging news, though. Experts believe current COVID vaccines still protect against severe illness, meaning the strain may not be more dangerous even if it spreads.
For now, BA.3.2 remains a small share of total COVID cases. But in parts of Europe, it has already made up a significant portion of infections. Still, it’s too early to know whether the “Cicada” variant will become the next dominant strain.
