Camilla Jessen
Scientists monitor highly mutated Covid strain.
A newly identified Covid variant is drawing attention from health experts as it appears in multiple countries. Scientists are now closely monitoring its spread and potential impact.
The strain is known as BA.3.2 or “Cicada.”
It has been detected in at least 23 countries as of February 2026, according to reporting from the European Medical Journal.
First identified in South Africa in late 2024, it has since appeared in the US, UK, Japan, Kenya and across Europe.
Researchers say the variant is a mutation of Omicron, but with a significantly higher number of genetic changes.
Highly mutated strain
Early analysis suggests Cicada may differ by as much as 70 to 75 percent from earlier variants, raising concerns about how the immune system recognises it.
Virologist Andrew Pekosz told The Mirror: “It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system.”
US data cited by The Conversation indicates the variant was first detected in the country in mid-2025 and has since appeared in multiple states, including in wastewater monitoring.
Symptoms remain similar
Despite the mutations, reported symptoms are broadly consistent with previous Covid strains.
According to PBS, these include cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, shortness of breath, headaches, and loss of smell or taste, as well as some gastrointestinal issues.
Dr William Schaffner said early data shows no “distinctive clinical presentations”, suggesting it does not currently appear more severe than other variants.
Vaccine concerns
One of the main questions is whether the variant can partially evade existing vaccines.
Experts say the mutations could make it harder for the immune system to recognise the virus quickly. However, vaccines are still expected to protect against severe illness.
Health authorities, including the CDC and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, say the variant is being monitored closely, with some warning cases may be underreported.
Sources: European Medical Journal, CDC, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, PBS, The Conversation, The Mirror.
