New COVID Subvariant ‘Cicada’: Should You Be Concerned About BA.3.2?

A newly identified COVID-19 subvariant, BA.3.2, informally termed ‘Cicada’, is gaining traction across the United States.

Scientists continue to monitor its transmission dynamics and mutation profile closely.

The strain belongs to the Omicron lineage and has circulated silently since 2024 before resurging in late 2025.

Health experts state that this variant does not introduce entirely new clinical manifestations. Instead, it mirrors earlier Omicron subvariants in symptom presentation.

A notably intense sore throat appears more frequently in reported cases.

Patients typically experience persistent cough, fatigue, mild fever, and body aches. Additional indicators include nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and sore throat.

Some individuals report shortness of breath, nausea, reduced appetite, or difficulty concentrating. Loss of taste or smell remains possible but occurs less often.

While most infections remain mild to moderate, the variant’s extensive mutations, over 70 in the spike protein, have raised concerns regarding transmissibility and partial immune evasion.

Early evidence suggests BA.3.2 spreads efficiently, similar to other recent variants, and may infect individuals with prior immunity.

Despite this, vaccines continue to offer protection against severe illness.

Authorities emphasise vigilance rather than alarm. The variant has not demonstrated increased severity or hospitalisation rates compared to earlier strains.

Preventive strategies, vaccination, masking in crowded spaces, and hygiene, remain effective.

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