New COVID-19 variant 'Cicada' is spreading. What to know about BA.3.2. - USA Today

USA Today
March 25, 2026
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2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

New COVID-19 variant BA.3.2 nicknamed 'Cicada' is spreading; full severity compared to other variants remains unclear.

How This Affects You

A new circulating COVID-19 variant warrants vaccination and testing awareness, though specific severity data is still being characterized by health officials.

AI Summary

A new COVID-19 variant nicknamed "Cicada," officially designated BA.3.2, is spreading and has drawn public health attention. BA.3.2 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage, which has dominated circulation since late 2021. The variant's emergence reflects the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, though specific details about its transmissibility or severity compared to other circulating variants remain to be fully characterized. Public health officials continue to monitor COVID-19 variants as part of routine disease surveillance. Americans seeking guidance on the new variant should monitor CDC updates and consult their healthcare providers about vaccination and testing options.

What's Being Done

Public health officials continue routine disease surveillance; Americans should monitor CDC updates and consult healthcare providers about vaccination and testing.

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