BA.3.2 'Cicada' Variant Now Detected in 33 Countries

The BA.3.2 'Cicada' SARS-CoV-2 variant has been confirmed in at least 33 countries as of mid-April 2026, establishing itself as a significant new global wave. Surveillance data shows the variant accounting for growing shares of sequenced cases in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia. Health authorities note the variant's unusual pediatric burden — with children up to five times more susceptible — while confirming that severity remains comparable to Omicron subvariants. Vaccine reformulation is under consideration but current vaccines still provide protection against severe disease.