New 'Cicada' Covid Variant With 70+ Mutations Spreads To Over 20 Countries. Should India Worry?

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 14:48 IST

The symptoms include fever, tiredness, sore throat, cough, and a running or blocked nose. Some patients have complained of headaches, body pains, and mild respiratory discomfort

A new Covid-19 subvariant BA.3.2, commonly known as ‘Cicada’, has been detected in numerous nations, including the United States, and is attracting attention internationally.

Business Standard reports that the new variant of the Covid-19 virus is already in over 20 countries. Though, India is yet to witness any such spike due to the new variant of the virus, health authorities are monitoring the situation carefully.

What Is Cicada Variant?

BA.3.2 is a sub-line of the Omicron family. However, a high number of mutations is what sets it apart.

The new variant is also estimated to carry 70-75 mutations, many of them in the spike protein, which is the part of the virus that enables it to invade human cells, The Economic Times reported.

This could help it to not only spread more easily, but even to partially bypass the immune system. However, experts argue that mutations in the virus do not necessarily make it deadlier.

Where Has It Spread So Far?

Reports have shown that the new variant has been identified in the United States where it is currently under observation and is present in several countries in Europe and Asia. Reports from Business Standard state that the new variant in the US is what has led to monitoring of the new variant across the world. There have not been any reports of widespread cases of the new variant so far.

What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms brought about by the Cicada variant seem to be like those of previous Omicron variants. The symptoms include fever, tiredness, sore throat, cough, and a running or blocked nose. Some patients have complained of headaches, body pains, and mild respiratory discomfort. No significant evidence has indicated that the BA.3.2 results in severe illness compared to other variants.

More Transmissible or More Immune-Evasive?

That stands as the vital worry.

According to Scientific American, there are signs from the first data that the variant may have a higher transmissibility and may have a certain level of immune escape.

This means that those who are vaccinated or have earlier been infected can get an infection again, but protection against severe illness is expected to remain. On the other hand, it is emphasised that the data is never constant but continues to change.

Should India Worry?

For now, experts say there is no immediate cause for alarm in India.

According to Times of India, India’s surveillance systems are monitoring new variants, and so far, there have not been any significant spikes associated with BA.3.2. Vaccines are still expected to provide protection against serious illness.

Health experts recommend continuous genome sequencing, hospitalisation trend, and acquiring booster shots if necessary.

What Is So Different About This Virus Strain?

The worry here is not severity but uncertainty.

BA.3.2 is yet another case of a recurring theme during the pandemic. It often takes time for the scientific community to provide evidence regarding the effects of new variants in practice, and governments try to remain cautious but avoid alarming citizens.

The Cicada variant is just a variant that should be monitored but not feared.

Its high mutation count and global spread deserve attention, but there is no solid evidence of increased severity or a significant threat to India. For now, the focus remains on vigilance, surveillance, and preparedness rather than alarm.

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