BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant symptoms: How is it different from previous COVID strains, should you be worried?

A new variant of COVID-19, nicknamed 'Cicada', is buzzing and has entered at least 23 countries, though it is not yet a dominant strain worldwide. Cicada first appeared back in 2024, went dormant for a while, and resurfaced in the United States late last year. It's official name is BA.3.2

“Cicada” belongs to the well-known Omicron family of variants but carries a significantly higher number of mutations—around 70 to 75 compared to currently dominant strains. These changes could potentially allow it to better evade the immune protection offered by existing COVID-19 vaccines.

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Cicada COVID Variant Symptoms List

The BA.3.2 Covid-19 subvariant, also called Cicada, is spreading across US. However, a doctor told The Independent that there is no immediate cause for panic. Some of its symptoms include:

Cough

Fever or chills

Sore throat

Congestion

Shortness of breath

Loss of smell or taste

Fatigue

Headache

Diarrhea or vomiting

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How is the Cicada Variant Different from Previous COVID Strains?

Higher number of mutations

“Cicada” (BA.3.2) carries around 70–75 mutations, significantly more than many earlier Omicron subvariants.

Potential immune evasion

These mutations may help it partially bypass immunity from past infections or vaccines, leading to more breakthrough cases.

Transmission pattern

It is believed to spread efficiently, similar to other Omicron variants, especially in crowded indoor settings.

No increase in severity (so far)

Current evidence suggests it does not cause more severe illness compared to earlier variants, unlike variants such as Delta which led to more serious disease.

Gradual spread, not explosive

Unlike earlier waves that surged rapidly, “Cicada” appears to be spreading slowly without triggering a major global spike yet.



Vaccines still effective against severe disease

While infections may occur, vaccines continue to provide strong protection against hospitalization and death.

What is the new Covid variant BA.3.2?

BA.3.2 was first identified in November 2024 in South Africa. It's a descendent of BA.3, an omicron subvariant that emerged in 2022 and briefly co-circulated with BA.1 and BA.2, the CDC said. The omicron variety, which first appeared in late 2021, is the ancestor of BA.3.2. Reports suggest the variant carries about 70–75 mutations in its spike protein, causing a worrying strain on citizens.

In laboratory studies, BA.3.2 effectively escaped COVID-19 antibodies due to its spike protein changes, the CDC said.

"There’s no evidence that BA.3.2 is causing more severe disease or hospitalizations in countries where it’s more widespread," Dr. Adolfo García-Sastre, director of the global health and emerging pathogens institute at Mt. Sinai, told TODAY.com. "It can still cause problems, of course, but it's not a more problematic strain that previous ones," says García-Sastre.

Is BA.3.2 severe?

Current evidence indicates that BA.3.2 does not cause more severe illness than earlier variants, with no unusual rise in hospitalisation rates observed so far.

Vaccines are still expected to provide strong protection against severe disease, even if breakthrough infections occur. Experts continue to recommend booster doses, particularly for high-risk groups.

Should you be worried?

There is currently no evidence of a widespread outbreak linked to the BA.3.2 variant in India. However, health experts caution that international travel could contribute to its gradual spread over time.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation through surveillance networks. Public health advice remains unchanged: stay up to date with vaccinations, get tested if symptoms appear, and take precautions in crowded or high-risk settings.

BA.3.2 “Cicada” is a highly mutated variant that is spreading gradually but has not shown signs of triggering a severe global wave so far. Experts emphasize the need for vigilance rather than panic, with vaccination and continued monitoring seen as the most effective response.

How Does the “Cicada” COVID Variant Spread?

• Primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes
• Can transmit via close contact, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Airborne spread is possible in enclosed areas with limited airflow
• International travel may contribute to cross-border transmission
• Like other Omicron subvariants, it may spread faster due to higher transmissibility

Treatment and Recovery for Cicada Variant

Most cases remain mild and can be managed at home with rest and hydration

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches

Over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms (as advised by a doctor)

High-risk individuals (elderly, comorbidities) should seek medical care early

Antiviral treatments may be prescribed in moderate to severe cases

Recovery typically takes a few days to a week in mild cases

Prevention Tips to Stay Safe

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses

Wear masks in crowded or high-risk indoor settings

Maintain good hand hygiene—wash hands regularly or use sanitizer

Ensure proper ventilation in homes and workplaces

Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms

Get tested if you feel unwell and isolate if positive