A new Covid variant with 75 mutations, nicknamed 'Cicada', has been detected in the UK and may be less susceptible to current vaccines, doctors have warned. The strain, officially designated BA.3.2, has been monitored by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) after spreading to 23 countries, including the United States.
The variant earned its nickname due to its ability to stay 'underground' for long periods before surging, similar to the insect. Writing on The Conversation, Professor Kyle B. Enfield of the University of Virginia said BA.3.2 is descended from Omicron but carries 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, making it 'significantly different' from earlier strains. He warned that current Covid vaccines, designed for the JN.1 lineage, may not be as effective against it.
First identified in Africa in November 2024, the variant began its global spread in 2025 and has been confirmed in the UK as of February 2026. While not yet dominant, UKHSA is monitoring it due to its potential to bypass immunity from older vaccines and past infections. Virologist Andrew Pekosz said the mutations 'may cause it to look different to your immune system'.
Symptoms remain consistent with other Omicron-era variants, including fever, cough, fatigue, and nasal congestion. However, a severe 'razorblade' sore throat and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhoea have been reported more frequently. There is no evidence yet that Cicada causes more severe disease or higher hospitalisation rates.
Dr Marc Siegel of NYU Langone noted that while there is concern about a potential public health risk, prevalence remains low, making predictions difficult. Professor Enfield emphasised that all viruses mutate, and these changes can make it harder for the immune system to recognise the virus, particularly for high-risk patients with chronic lung disease or long Covid.
