COVID Variant 'Cicada' Sees Rising Cases in the U.S., Raising Health Concerns
The COVID-19 variant known as 'Cicada' (BA.3.2) is experiencing a significant increase in cases across the United States. Initially detected in a traveler from abroad in June 2025, the variant has now been identified in 25 states, including major regions such as California, New York, and Texas. Recent data from WasteWaterSCAN indicates that 'Cicada' accounts for over 20% of COVID-positive wastewater samples, a notable rise from previous months. The variant is characterized by a high number of mutations, distinguishing it from other strains. Symptoms remain consistent with other COVID-19 variants, including fever, cough, and sore throat.