How Dangerous Is the New COVID Variant Cicada (BA.3.2)? Clear Summary of Key Symptoms and Vaccine Effectiveness

Update on the COVID variant Cicada (BA.3.2), now spreading in several countries. Check key symptoms, differences from previous variants, and answers about vaccines and protection for at-risk groups.

The global public health community has become alert again after detecting a new COVID-19 subvariant named"Cicada."Its genetic code is BA.3.2, classified as a Variant under monitoring due to unusually high mutations in the spike protein, which may enhance transmission and immune evasion.

What is the COVID Cicada (BA.3.2)? Why is the world concerned?

The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed"Cicada,"was first identified in samples from South Africa in late 2024 and began spreading significantly during 2025 into early 2026. Its danger lies in having over 70-75 mutations on the spike protein compared to the previous JN.1 variant, increasing its ability to bind human cells and evade immunity.

Check symptomsof "Cicada"and how it differs from earlier variants.

Preliminary patient data show BA.3.2 symptoms remain similar to original Omicron, such as

• Fever and chills: usually low to moderate fever (37.5°C and above) with chills during the first 1-2 days.
• Prolonged fatigue: persistent tiredness even after adequate rest, a notable feature of variants in 2025-2026.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (in some cases): nausea or diarrhea, especially in young children.

Distinct symptoms compared to previous variants include

• Key symptoms: severe sore throat, often described by patients as feeling like a sharp object is scratching the throat whenspeaking,swallowing saliva, accompanied by persistent dry cough, extreme fatigue, and runny nose.
• Less frequent symptoms: loss of taste and smell is much rarer than with the Delta variant.
• Important differences: Laboratory studies show BA.3.2 may infect lung cells less efficiently than some earlier variants but spreads very rapidly in the upper respiratory tract, making transmission easier and faster.

Which countries have reported outbreaks?

BA.3.2 has been confirmed in at least 23 countries worldwide, with high prevalence in:

• South Africa: the origin of the variant.
• Australia: BA.3.2 accounts for up to 13% of all cases.
• Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United Kingdom have seen increases up to 30% in some areas.
• United States: spread detected in over 25 states, especially among travelers.

At-risk groups requiring special caution

Although overall disease severity has not sharply increased, the 608 group (people aged 60 and over, patients with seven chronic diseases, and pregnant women), as well as immunocompromised individuals, remain at high risk of complications from BA.3.2 due to its enhanced vaccine immune evasion.

Are vaccines still necessary? Can flu vaccines substitute?

"COVID vaccines remain important."Despite BA.3.2's immune evasion, medical data confirm that current updated vaccines continue to effectively reduce severe illness and death.

• Key points: Many wonder if flu vaccines can replace COVID vaccines.
• The answer is: No, because they target different viruses. Flu vaccines protect only against seasonal influenza viruses and do not stimulate immunity against COVID-19.
• Recommendations: Experts advise receiving both vaccines, which can be administered simultaneously (one in each arm) to build protection during seasonal changes and potential outbreaks.

Although the COVID Cicada (BA.3.2) variant has many mutations and spreads quickly in several countries, its severity remains manageable. Wearing masks in crowded places, hand hygiene, and booster vaccinations for at-risk groups remain the most effective current protective measures.