BA.3.2 Cicada COVID Variant Shows Rising Global Presence
A newly observed COVID-19 variant, BA.3.2—commonly referred to as “Cicada”—is gradually increasing in detection across several regions worldwide. Health authorities indicate that the variant had been circulating at low levels for an extended period before its recent rise in visibility. Its name reflects this prolonged hidden presence, similar to cicadas that remain underground for years before emerging. Origins and Detection Timeline The earliest known case of BA.3.2 was recorded in South Africa in November 2024. The variant began showing a noticeable increase in spread from September 2025. In the United States , it was initially identified in a traveller in mid-2025, with broader reporting beginning in early 2026. It has now been detected...