(Image source from: Clinikk.com)
A new Covid-19 subvariant called BA.3.2, also known as Cicada, is spreading throughout the United States. This variant has many mutations and is part of the Omicron group. The World Health Organisation has labeled BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring, which means they are watching it closely to determine if it may become more harmful. However, health organizations around the world have stated that the overall threat remains low. Cicada has between 70 and 75 new changes in the spike protein, which is a lot more than the 30 mutations seen in the original Omicron version. It is a descendant of the earlier BA.3 type that was mostly seen in early 2022. Currently, there is no proof that it leads to more severe illnesses, but the changes in BA.3.2's spike protein might allow it to bypass the protection from previous infections or vaccinations.
Studies show that the subvariant BA.3.2 carries 70 to 75 new mutations in the spike protein, which is much higher than what we see in the more common variants from 2023. This may mean it could be less impacted by existing vaccines that were made for the JN.1 and LP.8.1 types. Nevertheless, researchers highlight that getting vaccinated still provides strong defense against serious illness and death. Moreover, Cicada is still part of the Omicron virus family, indicating it may share some genetic traits with newer variants. The WHO has stated that the ability of antibodies from current vaccines to neutralize BA.3.2 may be reduced due to the high number of mutations in its spike protein. They also mentioned that the immune escape level for BA.3.2 is expected to be significant, possibly similar to or greater than that of previous dominant variants like BA.2.86 or JN.1.
"As a lung doctor, I have been keeping a close eye on the Covid-19 BA.3.2 'Cicada' variant that is currently spreading in several states across the US. It is a highly changed version of Omicron, but so far, it mainly seems to cause mild symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, especially in children, and there has not been a noticeable increase in severe cases or hospitalizations. " "As for vaccines, the current formulations for 2025-26 that target JN.1 and LP.8.1 may provide some protection despite the variant's mutations, but they remain very effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death, especially with booster shots," explains Dr. Avi Kumar, a Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla.
The WHO still advises getting vaccinated against Covid-19, especially for those at higher risk, as the best way to avoid serious illness, hospital stays, and fatalities, even with new variants such as BA.3.2 appearing.
"My recommendation, particularly for those at greater risk like older adults and people with existing health issues, is to keep up with booster shots and take simple steps like wearing masks in busy places. Although the current risk in India is low, we should stay careful and vigilant. Always reach out to your doctor for advice tailored to you," says Dr. Kumar. The BA.3.2 subvariant was first found in South Africa in late 2024. This variant has been identified in at least 23 different countries around the globe. Although cases started rising in September 2025, it has not yet become the leading strain globally. In the US, it has been found in patients and in the wastewater of 29 states.
