A new Covid variant, BA.3.2 — nicknamed “Cicada” — is spreading globally and may be able to bypass some protections from existing vaccines.
The Covid-19 pandemic may feel like it’s behind us, but the virus isn’t done yet. New variants continue to emerge, and experts warn that some could spread faster, dodge immunity, or even spark a fresh wave of infections.
The latest strain, BA.3.2, nicknamed “Cicada,” is a mutation of the previously dominant Omicron variant and was first detected in South Africa in November 2024. It earned its nickname because, like the insect, it can lie hidden for years before suddenly appearing.
Since it was first identified, the Cicada variant has spread across the globe. According to the European Medical Journal, it had been detected in at least 23 countries as of February 2026.
Cases have been reported in the US and UK, as well as in Japan, Kenya, and the Netherlands, according to the European Medical Journal.
