Is there a new COVID variant? What to know about BA.3.2

A “highly mutated” COVID-19 variant has been found in several states across the country, including New Hampshire.

The variant BA.3.2, also nicknamed “Cicada,” is steadily rising in U.S. cases after it was detected in routine surveillance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BA.3.2 had been reported in 23 countries as of February. In the United States, the variant was detected in nasal swabs from four travelers, three airplane wastewater samples, clinical samples from five patients, and 132 wastewater samples from 25 U.S. states, the CDC said.

While the variant has yet to account for a significant number of cases in the United States, it has been reported in more than 20 countries, accounting for up to 30% of cases in some, according to the CDC.

What is the new COVID variant BA.3.2?

BA.3.2 is a highly mutated COVID-19 variant. It was first detected in a person traveling to the United States in June 2025 and was thus nicknamed after the rarely-emerging insects because it has largely remained undetected or “underground” since discovery, Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, told USA TODAY in an email.

The first case in a U.S. patient was diagnosed in January, he said to USA TODAY.

BA.3.2 has likewise been reported in at least 23 countries, according to the CDC, which also said the very first case worldwide was detected in November 2024 in South Africa. Cases began increasing in September 2025, the agency said.

COVID variant symptoms

Like in the case of most other variants, the symptoms of Cicada are the same as those of other COVID-19 infections. Symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Changes to the sense of smell or taste

Where is the new COVID variant?

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.

Incubation period for COVID

According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may start as mild, though some people will progress to more severe symptoms.

Free COVID test

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.

Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times.