Cicada COVID variant: BA.3.2 spreads across US and Europe with symptoms Australians should know

A highly mutated COVID-19 variant spreading across parts of the United States and Europe is being closely monitored by global health authorities, with experts urging Australians to remain aware of symptoms as the virus continues to evolve internationally.

While the variant has not been identified as a major strain circulating in Australia, previous COVID waves have often reached the country after first spreading overseas, particularly as international travel continues to increase.

The strain, officially known as BA.3.2 and nicknamed “Cicada”, has been detected in at least 25 US states and is increasing in prevalence in parts of Europe, prompting monitoring from both the World Health Organisation and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers say the variant contains a large number of mutations compared to recent dominant strains, raising questions about how effectively existing immunity from vaccines or previous infections may respond.

The variant was first identified in 2024 but has only recently begun spreading more widely internationally, with cases rising in late 2025 and early 2026. In some parts of Europe, the strain has been linked to a growing share of infections as health authorities track its progression.

While early evidence suggests the variant is not more severe than previous strains, experts say its mutation profile means it is being watched closely.

“The early data would indicate that it is not more severe, or it doesn’t have any distinctive clinical presentations,” infectious disease expert Dr William Schaffner said to PBS News.

Symptoms Australians should watch for

Health authorities say symptoms linked to the Cicada variant appear broadly similar to other recent COVID strains seen in Australia, meaning infections may initially resemble a cold or flu.

Common symptoms include:

• Sore throat, including what some describe as a “razorblade throat”
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Fever
• Muscle or body aches
• Sneezing
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Changes to the sense of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath

Because many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms, testing remains the most reliable way to confirm whether an infection is COVID-19.

Experts note that a sudden loss of taste or smell, or symptoms lasting longer than a typical cold, may be more strongly associated with COVID infections.

Why experts are watching the variant

Scientists say BA.3.2 contains around 70 to 75 mutations, making it significantly different from the variants that have dominated infections over the past two years.

Those mutations may help the virus partially evade immune protection developed through vaccination or prior infection, although data is still limited.

The variant has been detected through a combination of wastewater monitoring, clinical testing and voluntary screening of travellers, providing early insight into how it may spread globally.

Public health experts say it is still unclear whether the variant will outcompete other strains currently circulating or how quickly it may spread in different regions.

Will vaccines still work?

While mutations may reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines at preventing infection entirely, experts say vaccinations are still expected to provide strong protection against severe illness.

Vaccines continue to target parts of the virus that are less likely to change significantly, helping reduce the risk of hospitalisation and complications.

“Vaccines may not work well against ‘cicada’ infection, but it will still probably protect against severe illness,” respiratory expert Dr Donald Milton said.

Health authorities generally recommend staying up to date with booster shots where eligible, particularly for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

What happens next

It is common for new variants to emerge as viruses evolve, with the most recent COVID strains producing similar symptoms to those seen over the past several years.

While there is currently no indication that the Cicada variant causes more serious illness, experts say monitoring developments overseas helps inform how Australia prepares for future waves.

Testing when unwell, staying home if sick and keeping vaccinations up to date remain among the key steps recommended as COVID continues to circulate globally and new variants emerge.