As of February, BA.3.2 or “Cicada” was reported in 23 countries.

The newest variant of COVID-19, “BA.3.2” also known as “Cicada,” has started to make an appearance around the globe.

Though it’s not found in cicadas, it got that name because just like cicadas it stayed underground for months.

When asked how often they encounter COVID, NorthWestern Medicine infectious diseases doctor Ihab Ahmed said, “currently were seeing it at much lower rates than we did in the past.”

Around 1,300 people have died worldwide from COVID, according to the WHO, Ba.3.2 is less contagious than the Omicron variant.

As of early April, BA.3.2 has been reported in 25 states.

“It is genetically linked to the Omicron variant,” Dr.  Ahmed continues, “it was first noted in South America in November of 2024, and then it first came to the U.S. in June of 2025.”

It spreads when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

It was discovered in Illinois on Feb. 11, mainly in wastewater.