A new COVID variant is now spreading, and experts are beginning to pay attention. It has been given an unusual nickname: “Cicada.” There’s a reason for that.
The new strain, called BA.3.2, is drawing closer scrutiny. One reason is the many changes in its spike protein, which make it different 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 change as it spreads. This is normal and leads to the emergence of new variants over time. Most variants today are very similar to one another, with only minor differences. But experts say BA.3.2 is not like the others — 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 time before suddenly reappearing.
It has now been found in more than 20 countries worldwide. According to the CDC, it is circulating in at least 25 U.S. states.
The name comes from the cicada insect. Cicadas can stay underground for years before suddenly emerging again. Experts say this variant behaves similarly. Scientists report that it carries many mutations — around 70 to 75 changes in the spike protein. That alone could make it easier to spread and better at evading immunity.
However, there is also some good news. Experts believe current COVID vaccines still protect against severe illness. So even if the virus spreads, it may not be more dangerous.
For now, the BA.3.2 strain remains a small portion of total COVID cases. But in some parts of Europe, it has already made up a large share of infections. Still, it is too early to know whether the “Cicada” variant will become the next dominant strain.
