Highly mutated COVID-19 variant ‘Cicada’ identified in 25 US states, prompting concerns about a potential summer surge
A highly mutated Covid variant, known as “Cicada,” is spreading in the US, evading vaccines and raising concerns about a potential summer surge.
A newly identified, highly mutated COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2, referred to as “Cicada,” has been found in at least 25 US states, including Vermont. Health authorities are closely monitoring its spread as the summer months draw near.
In an interview with USA TODAY, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, detailed that the variant initially emerged in a traveler to the US in June 2025 and went mostly unnoticed until the past few months. “It was named after the seldom-seen insects due to its largely unnoticed or “underground’ status since its discovery,” Hopkins stated.
A US resident was diagnosed with the first local case in January 2026. From that period until February 11, the variant was detected in wastewater samples collected from 132 locations in 25 states, as well as in voluntary nasal swabs from travelers, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In September 2025, cases of BA.3.2 started to rise globally, with certain Eastern European nations indicating that it represented as much as 30% of infections by February.
Experts caution that BA.3.2 possesses a highly mutated profile, featuring 70-75 mutations that are distinct from the JN. One lineage of the previous predominant US strain allows it to bypass both vaccines and natural immunity, which raises concerns about the effectiveness of current vaccination strategies in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Hopkins remarked, “I have not observed any data suggesting that Cicada is more severe than other circulating variants.” A severe sore throat is noted as a frequent symptom, accompanying other typical COVID symptoms.
The Cicada variant presents symptoms that are largely in line with other COVID-19 infections, such as a runny or stuffy nose, fever, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and alterations in taste or smell. Certain later variants have been linked to “razorblade throat,” which is characterized by an intensely painful throat.
Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan, assistant dean of research and associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, stressed the importance of vaccination and mitigation strategies. “If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or receive a positive test result, the CDC recommends various methods to manage the symptoms and prevent transmission.”
Remain at home and maintain distance from others.
Enhance the airflow within your residence.
Use an N95 or a similarly high-quality mask when in the presence of others.
Stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Keep track of your symptoms and maintain communication with your healthcare provider.
Follow the prescribed medications and treatments diligently.
Take time to rest and consider using over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms such as headaches.
Maintain hygiene by frequently washing your hands and sanitizing shared surfaces.
Utilize their testing and treatment location tool to discover resources available in your vicinity, such as clinics or pharmacies that offer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
Receive your boost as soon as it becomes available. It is effective against all of the leading circulating lineages, such as XBB.1.16, EG.5.1, FL.1.5.1, and others.
