New COVID Variant BA.3.2 'Cicada' Circulating Across US in Spring 2026
A new COVID-19 variant called BA.3.2, nicknamed 'cicada,' is currently spreading across the United States alongside seasonal flu and other respiratory viruses this spring. Health officials are monitoring the circulation of multiple respiratory illnesses as they continue to affect communities nationwide. The variant is part of ongoing COVID evolution, with symptoms potentially overlapping with flu and other common respiratory infections. This creates diagnostic challenges for both patients and healthcare providers trying to determine the specific cause of illness. While virus season typically peaks in winter months, respiratory illnesses including this new COVID variant are demonstrating continued circulation into the spring season. Public health experts emphasize the importance of symptom awareness and proper testing to distinguish between different viral infections. The presence of multiple circulating viruses highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in respiratory illness monitoring and appropriate medical response when symptoms develop.
Key facts
- New COVID variant BA.3.2 nicknamed 'cicada' is circulating in 2026
- Multiple respiratory illnesses including flu and COVID are active during spring season
Where sources agree
- COVID variant BA.3.2 'cicada' is currently circulating
- Multiple respiratory viruses are active simultaneously
Where sources differ
- Cannot determine disagreements with only one source available
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Information not available from provided sources to determine left-leaning perspective on this health development.
Right-leaning coverage: Information not available from provided sources to determine right-leaning perspective on this health development.
Limits of this briefing
Analysis based on only one news source, limiting ability to assess different political perspectives or verify claims through multiple outlets.