Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm Over the New Cicada COVID Variant Emerging After Two Years Underground

A New Variant Draws Attention — What Is Known So Far

As attention around COVID-19 has gradually eased, a newly observed variant has begun to appear in multiple regions. Informally referred to as “Cicada,” and identified as BA.3.2, it has been detected in several countries and a number of U.S. states. Its emergence has prompted renewed observation from researchers, not because of immediate severity, but because of its characteristics.

The nickname reflects a pattern rather than a dramatic event. The variant was first identified in late 2024, circulating at low levels for an extended period before becoming more visible in early 2026. This kind of delayed prominence is not unusual in viral evolution, though it can draw attention when detection increases across multiple regions at once.