The emergence of new COVID-19 variants continues to be monitored internationally, and one that has recently garnered the most attention is the BA.3.2 variant, also known as “Cicada.” This lineage, derived from Omicron, has generated interest among health authorities due to its rapid spread and genetic characteristics.
Although it is not considered a more dangerous variant to date, its behavior has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to keep it under close observation, especially because of its potential ability to evade pre-existing immunity.
The BA.3.2 variant of COVID-19 is a sublineage of Omicron initially identified in South Africa in late 2014 and which spread to various countries in 2015 and 2026.
Also called “Cicada” in English (and “Cigarra” in Spanish), this variant has been classified as a variant under surveillance due to its high number of mutations and its potential for immune evasion.
Specialists indicate that it presents dozens of changes in the spike protein, which could influence its ability to spread or evade the body’s existing defenses.
The main cause for concern is not its severity, but its transmissibility and immune evasion.
It can partially evade immunity generated by vaccines or previous infections.
It has shown rapid international spread across different continents.
It remains under surveillance to assess its real impact on public health.
However, so far there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or an increase in hospitalizations or deaths.
The symptoms associated with the BA.3.2 or Cicada variant are very similar to those of other COVID-19 variants. Among the most common are:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Fatigue
Loss of smell or taste
Experts agree that it does not present distinctive symptoms, so its diagnosis depends on testing and epidemiological surveillance.
The BA.3.2 variant has been detected in at least 25 U.S. states during the first months of 2026, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health authorities have identified its presence in both clinical samples and wastewater, allowing them to track its circulation even before confirmed cases are reported in patients.
The first case in the United States dates back to June 2025, when it was detected in a traveler from the Netherlands. Since then, genomic surveillance has allowed them to monitor its spread in different regions of the country.
Despite its presence in multiple states, specialists indicate that the circulation of this variant remains low and has not caused a significant increase in hospitalizations or severe cases, although it remains under close surveillance due to its potential for immune evasion.
As of the end of March 2026, no cases of the BA.3.2 variant had been confirmed in Mexico, according to reports from health authorities.
However, it has already been detected in at least 23 countries, including some Latin American nations, so specialists do not rule out its eventual arrival in the country.
Despite its ability to evade the immune system, health authorities point out that:
Vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection.
But they remain key to preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Therefore, the recommendation for vaccination and boosters, as well as basic preventive measures, remains in place.
Source: infobae
