What we know about the new 'cicada' COVID-19 variant

A COVID-19 variant officially designated BA.3.2 has been dubbed the "cicada" variant because it emerged in 2024, disappeared from circulation, and has recently resurfaced in the United States. The nickname draws a parallel to cicadas' characteristic life cycle of dormancy followed by reappearance. Health officials are monitoring the variant's spread and characteristics as it re-emerges in the U.S. population. The resurgence raises questions about variant behavior and immunity patterns in communities with prior COVID exposure or vaccination. Details about the variant's transmissibility, severity, or potential public health response remain under assessment.