New Delhi: A new variant of the coronavirus has started spreading very strongly. A new subvariant of Covid-19, BA.3.2, has come to light in America, which is also called Cicada. According to the report, subvariant BA.3.2 was first detected in South Africa in November 2024. As of March 2026, it has been found in samples in 25 states of America. Along with this, it has reached 30 percent in Europe (such as Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands). WHO has placed it in Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). Let us know in detail about this new subvariant of Covid.
Is this BA.3.2 Cicada variant?
This variant was first detected in South Africa in late December 2024 and became more widespread in 2025.
It has now been seen in more than 20 countries.
It is a descendant of the Omicron variant, which emerged in December 2021.
It is said to have around 70-75 mutations in the spike protein.
According to experts, this variant does not pose any greater risk at present. It does not cause more severe disease than other variants that spread during the cold season of 2025-2026.
However, due to several mutations, the current Covid vaccine may be ineffective against it.
Symptoms of the cicada variant—
The symptoms of this variant are similar to those of the previous Omicron strain. So far, no new or unusual symptoms have been seen. The main symptoms are as follows –
Sore throat
Dry cough
Body aches and pains
Fever and chills
Headache:
