CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a highly mutated COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada”. First detected in a U.S. traveler in June 2025, the variant has remained largely undetected until recently, making it similar to the elusive cicada insect, which emerges only after long periods underground.

Since its discovery, the Cicada variant has spread to at least 25 U.S. states, including California, Florida, and Illinois, with wastewater samples from 132 sites confirming its presence. Although still responsible for only a small number of cases in the United States, it is becoming more prevalent globally, with some European countries seeing it account for up to 30% of cases.

Experts are concerned about Cicada’s potential to evade immunity, whether from previous infections or vaccinations. The variant’s 70-75 mutations set it apart from the more dominant JN.1 strain, which has been circulating in the U.S. for the past two years.

Symptoms of Cicada are similar to other COVID-19 variants, including a runny nose, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and sneezing. Experts urge continued vigilance and the importance of vaccination as monitoring continues.

While this variant remains a subject of active research, it is still too early to determine its long-term impact. Health authorities are continuing to track the spread of the Cicada variant closely as it evolves.

For more information on COVID-19 variants and to report symptoms, the CDC provides resources on their website.