A new subvariant of COVID-19, BA.3.2, also known as 'Cicada', is gaining ground in the United States. Part of the Omicron variant family, it was first identified in South Africa in late 2024 and has since been reported in at least 23 countries. Although infections linked to the variant began rising around September 2025, it has not yet become the dominant global strain.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, mutations in its “spike protein have the potential to reduce protection from a previous infection or vaccination.” In the US, the earliest cases were detected in nasal samples from four incoming travellers. Since then, the variant has been found both in clinical cases and through wastewater surveillance across 29 states.
As the variant spreads, what symptoms should people watch out for, and does it pose any risk to India?
What is the BA.3.2 or Cicada variant, and where did it come from?
The BA.3.2 subvariant is a descendant of the Omicron variant, which itself emerged as a highly transmissible form of the virus in late 2021. Scientists first identified BA.3.2 in Africa, with early detection reported in South Africa in late 2024. By November 2024, researchers had begun analysing its genetic structure, noting significant differences compared to existing strains.
From there, the variant gradually spread across continents throughout 2025, reaching at least 23 countries by early 2026. The first known case in the United States was detected in June 2025 in a traveller entering the country. Since then, its presence has expanded, not only through clinical cases but also via wastewater surveillance systems, which serve as an early warning tool for tracking viral spread in communities.
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The Cicada variant stands out due to the high number of mutations it carries—between 70 and 75 changes in its spike protein. This protein is critical because it allows the virus to enter human cells and is also the primary target for vaccines. Such extensive genetic changes suggest that the variant may behave differently from earlier strains, particularly in how it interacts with the immune system.
Wastewater monitoring has played a crucial role in identifying the spread of BA.3.2, although participation by states reporting such data to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has declined since around 2022, following the peak of the pandemic.
Symptoms of the new COVID variant
The symptoms associated with the BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant appear to be largely in line with earlier Omicron variant strains, with the infection mainly affecting the upper respiratory tract. Most people report common signs such as sore throat, fever, chills, cough, fatigue, headache, and nasal congestion, which can often resemble a mild flu-like illness.
In some cases, less frequent symptoms may also occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of taste or smell.
What makes the BA.3.2 variant different from others?
Like all viruses, the one that causes COVID-19 constantly evolves, with mutations occurring each time it replicates. While many of these changes disappear, some can give a variant an edge, such as making it easier to spread or harder for the immune system to recognise.
BA.3.2 stands out because of multiple changes in its genetic structure, particularly in the spike protein. These mutations may reduce the immune system’s ability to recognise the virus, even if it has been primed by past infections or vaccines. Current vaccines have largely been designed against strains from the JN.1 lineage, which have dominated since early 2024, and BA.3.2 differs enough from these to partially evade immune detection.
However, this does not make vaccines ineffective. Evidence continues to show that they play a crucial role in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation and death, even if protection against infection may be somewhat reduced.
Does the BA.3.2 variant pose a threat to India?
Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant, Chest Physician and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai, said the BA.3.2 variant carries multiple spike protein mutations, which may help it evade the body’s existing immunity.
“These mutations allow the virus to escape the immune response to some extent,” he explained, adding that individuals who are immunocompromised remain at a higher risk of infection and complications.
However, he noted that there is no immediate cause for concern in India. While the variant has already been reported in more than 23 countries and could eventually reach India, “as of now, we have not seen any such trend here, and there is no need to panic.”
What steps can you take to reduce your risk?
Dr Chafle emphasised that protection against the BA.3.2 variant largely relies on the same precautions that proved effective during earlier waves of COVID-19. He highlighted the importance of maintaining basic hygiene and respiratory safety practices in daily life.
“The precautions remain standard - hand hygiene, wearing masks, avoiding mass gatherings, and ensuring good indoor ventilation,” he said. He also advised people to stay home if they experience symptoms to prevent further spread.
Hand hygiene, in particular, remains one of the most effective preventive tools. Washing hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after contact with sick individuals, can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 16–21 per cent.
At the same time, Dr Chafle noted that there is no immediate cause for alarm. “Currently, I would not say it is something to worry about,” he said, adding that vigilance is still important. If cases begin to rise, people should be more cautious and seek medical attention early, especially in the presence of severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty or high-grade fever.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS