New COVID Variant 'Cicada' (BA.3.2) Spreading Across US, Tracked by WHO

Mar 27, 2026

The World Health Organization is tracking a COVID variant called BA.3.2 or 'Cicada' that was first identified in South Africa in November 2024 and has since been detected in at least 23 countries, including more than 20 US states through wastewater surveillance. The WHO classified BA.3.2 as a variant under monitoring in December 2025, a lower-tier designation indicating limited concern. Despite spreading slowly since its identification, the variant may strain immune systems and potentially evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections, though health officials report it has not contributed to large numbers of new cases and is not thought to cause reactions as severe as previous strains as of March 2026.

Discovery and Geographic Spread of the Cicada Variant

▪The Cicada COVID variant has been found in wastewater in more than 20 states in the United States.
▪The Cicada COVID variant had been found in at least 23 countries as of March 2026.
▪The COVID variant known as Cicada was first identified in South Africa in November 2024.
▪The Cicada COVID variant spread very slowly after its initial identification.

Characteristics and Health Impact of the Variant

▪The Cicada COVID variant is not thought to cause as severe reactions as previous strains of the virus.
▪The Cicada COVID variant may cause more strain on immune systems.
▪The Cicada COVID variant may have immunity from vaccines or prior infections.
▪The Cicada COVID variant has not contributed to a large number of new COVID cases across the United States as of March 2026.

Official Monitoring and Classification by Health Authorities

▪The World Health Organization classified the Cicada COVID variant as a variant under monitoring in December 2025.
▪The Cicada COVID variant is being monitored closely by health officials.
▪The World Health Organization is tracking the Cicada COVID variant as of March 2026.

Perspective of World Health Organization

▪The World Health Organization designated BA.3.2 as a variant under monitoring rather than a variant of concern or variant of interest.
▪The World Health Organization's monitoring classification for BA.3.2 indicates the variant does not currently warrant elevated alert status.

Perspective of US health officials

▪US health officials detected BA.3.2 through wastewater surveillance systems rather than primarily through clinical testing.
▪US health officials characterize BA.3.2 as having circulated quietly without driving substantial increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths.