The BA.3.2 variant of COVID-19, dubbed the “Cicada variant,” was first identified in South Africa in November 2024 and has since spread to at least 23 countries, including 25 states in the U.S. This variant carries an alarming 70-75 mutations in the spike protein, raising concerns among health officials regarding its potential to evade immunity from prior infections or current vaccines.
Brandon Dionne, a virologist, noted, “There definitely are quite a few mutations with this one, so there’s concern that the current vaccine is not going to be a great match.” Symptoms associated with BA.3.2 include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, fever, nausea, and diarrhea, mirroring those of earlier variants.
Despite the concerning genetic profile, experts like Andrew Pekosz suggest that while BA.3.2 looks frightening on paper, it has not yet caused a significant increase in disease severity in most regions. Current vaccines are still expected to provide some level of protection against the variant, as stated by Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, who mentioned, “It’s not completely clear how effective the current vaccine will be, but it likely still has some effectiveness.”
As of now, the U.S. is witnessing approximately 300-500 deaths per week linked to COVID-19, with 11% of wastewater samples indicating the presence of BA.3.2. This data highlights the variant’s growing footprint in the community, although the exact prevalence remains unclear due to reduced surveillance efforts.
Neil Maniar emphasized the importance of protecting higher-risk individuals and maintaining standard precautions as the situation evolves. The variant is a descendent of BA.3, an omicron subvariant that emerged in 2022, illustrating the ongoing evolution of the virus.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how BA.3.2 will evolve and whether it will cause a surge in cases. Observers are closely monitoring its spread and impact on public health, as the global community remains vigilant in the fight against COVID-19.
