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Doctors Explain Cicada, the Latest COVID-19 Variant of Concern
The BA.3.2 COVID variant, nicknamed 'cicada,' is back after simmering in the background for a while.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:31pm
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An X-ray view of the SARS-CoV-2 virus reveals the complex internal structure that has evolved to evade the immune system, as the latest Omicron variant known as 'cicada' emerges.NYC TodayThe latest COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2 or 'cicada,' is getting attention from the infectious disease community. Cicada has a high number of mutations that could make it more immune-evasive, potentially leading to more infections even among those previously infected or vaccinated. However, experts say the existing vaccines are still likely to protect against serious illness, and there's no major reason for concern at this point as the variant hasn't driven a significant surge in cases.
Why it matters
The cicada variant's high number of mutations on its spike protein could make it more capable of evading immunity from past infections or vaccines, potentially leading to more breakthrough cases. This raises concerns about the variant's ability to drive another wave of COVID-19 cases, even if it may not necessarily cause more severe illness.
The details
The cicada variant stems from the Omicron strain of COVID-19 and has been detected in 23 countries since 2024, first appearing in the U.S. in January 2025. It has 70 to 75 substitutions on its spike protein, which the virus uses to infect cells. This high number of mutations is what makes the variant potentially more immune-evasive. The symptoms of the cicada variant don't seem to differ from previous COVID variants, but its increased ability to evade immunity could make people more susceptible to infection.
- The cicada variant was first detected in the U.S. in January 2025.
- The variant has been detected in 23 countries since 2024.
The players
Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.
A senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Thomas Russo, M.D.
A professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York.
What they’re saying
“I've been keeping my eye on this one.”
— Thomas Russo, M.D., Professor and chief of infectious diseases
“It is another variant of Omicron that has evolved several mutations that make it more difficult for the immune system to completely neutralize.”
— Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., Senior scholar
“Immunity wanes over time, fewer people are getting vaccinated, and the prior immunity that was developed will not be optimally protective against such a variant.”
— Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., Senior scholar
What’s next
Researchers and public health officials will continue to monitor the spread and impact of the cicada variant, particularly its ability to evade immunity and cause breakthrough infections. The CDC and other agencies will likely provide updates on the variant's prevalence and any changes to recommended prevention measures.
The takeaway
The cicada variant's high number of mutations is a concern, as it could make the virus more capable of evading immunity from past infections or vaccines. However, experts say the existing vaccines are still likely to protect against serious illness, and there's no major reason for panic at this point as the variant hasn't driven a significant surge in cases.
