Cicada COVID variant detected in at least 25 states

The BA.3.2 'Cicada' COVID variant has been detected in wastewater and traveler samples across at least 25 U.S. states and is being tracked by the CDC and WHO.

Health authorities are tracking a COVID-19 variant called Cicada (BA.3.2). It has been detected in wastewater and some clinical samples in the United States. Officials report it has been found across at least 25 states and is included on CDC and WHO monitoring lists. Experts describe the variant as highly mutated compared with recent circulating lineages. Known details: - The variant was detected in wastewater at 132 sites and in traveler samples, covering at least 25 states, according to CDC data reported through Feb. 11. - The first detection linked to travel to the U.S. was reported in June 2025, and the first local U.S. case was diagnosed in January, as reported by experts. - Specialists describe BA.3.2 as carrying roughly 70–75 mutations and being distinct from the recently dominant JN.1 lineage. - Reported symptoms align with typical COVID-19 cases, including runny or stuffy nose, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and changes to smell or taste; officials have not identified increased severity compared with other circulating variants. Summary: Officials report that BA.3.2 (Cicada) is being monitored because it has been detected across multiple U.S. sites and is notably mutated. Undetermined at this time.