‘Cicada’ COVID is spreading. Here are the symptoms.

ATLANTA — A new COVID variant has spread through at least half the nation, causing warnings from public health officials.

The BA.3.2 variant, nicknamed “cicada,” was first discovered in June 2025 and has since been confirmed in 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Experts warned that the virus could spread more easily than previous variants and even evade immunity in people previously infected or vaccinated against COVID, due to a mutation that allows it to avoid antibodies, according to a recent CDC report.

The new “cicada” variant doesn’t cause any new or unusual symptoms compared to other COVID variants, according to health experts at Stony Brook Medicine. The main danger from the new strain of the virus is its ability to spread, and circumvent existing protections.  

COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

“People who are older, have chronic health problems, or have weak immune systems should contact a doctor early, even if symptoms are mild,” Stony Brook Medicine Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Sharon Nachman said.

Stony Brook Medicine’s webpage recommends people take the following precautions to stay safe from the virus, including:

• Getting vaccinated and boosted
• Wearing a good mask (N95 or KN95) indoors in crowded spaces
• Keeping rooms ventilated
• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding people who are sick
• Being extra careful if you have health conditions or are older
• Checking local COVID levels before traveling or going to events