The “highly mutated” COVID-19 variant nicknamed “Cicada” is steadily rising in cases across the nation.
The variant BA.3.2, had been reported in 23 countries as of February. Its 70 to 75 mutations in the genetic sequence of its spike protein (the protein the virus uses to infect cells) is what makes the variant different from prior strains. Experts have said the mutated nature of BA.3.2 makes it more effective at evading current vaccination formulations and immune systems that have built a resistance to other COVID-19 infections.
This has the potential to cause another “summer surge” in the coming months, USA TODAY reported.
The CDC’s latest data from Feb. 11 tracked the presence of BA.3.2 in 25 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Here’s what to know about the COVID variant and its symptoms.
New COVID strain symptoms
Like in the case of most other variants, the symptoms of Cicada are the same as those of other COVID-19 infections. Some later variants have been associated with “razorblade throat,” or an extremely sore throat.
Symptoms include for the BA.3.2 are as follows:
Flu symptoms 2026
Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same, though COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu. according to the CDC
Testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis, the CDC notes.
Here are the symptoms of the flu:
How long does COVID last?
COVID symptoms can last one to two weeks if you have mild or moderate COVID, but severe cases can last months, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
How long is COVID contagious?
A person infected with COVID-19 is contagious to others for up to two days before symptoms appear, and they remain contagious to others for 10 to 20 days.
Free testing near me
Some may be eligible for free COVID testing through insurance. Some state health departments also offer free vaccinations. You can search for your health department here.
How to get a free COVID test
Likewise, some may be eligible for no-cost COVID-19 test kits through insurance. Walgreens allows you to place an order, and the pharmacy will submit a claim to your insurance to determine if the cost is covered. You can order your COVID-19 test kit here.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: COVID symptoms 2026: What to know about ‘Cicada’ COVID variant BA.3.2
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
