What is the COVID-19 'Cicada' variant?

The COVID-19 "Cicada" variant, also referred to as BA.3.2, is a newly identified subvariant of Omicron that is being monitored worldwide.

According to GMA News Feed, the Cicada variant is an Omicron sublineage that has been spreading across communities, with its name drawing a comparison to cicada insects that emerge in large numbers simultaneously.

The subvariant has been detected in parts of Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

First identified in South Africa in November 2024, BA.3.2 belongs to the Omicron lineage of the virus that causes COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The WHO has classified BA.3.2, which has been reported in at least 23 countries, as a variant under monitoring.

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña said the Cicada variant is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and carries several mutations in the spike protein that may make it more transmissible than earlier versions of the virus.

However, experts noted that there is no evidence so far that the Cicada variant causes more severe disease than previous variants.

They also cautioned about possible “immune evasion,” or the variant’s ability to partially bypass immunity, even among vaccinated individuals.

Despite this, health experts emphasized that existing preventive measures remain effective.

“The best defense is still vaccination and boosters, along with wearing face masks in crowded and poorly ventilated areas,” Salvaña said.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said no cases of the Cicada variant have been detected so far, but genome sequencing efforts continue to monitor its possible presence.

The DOH also earlier dismissed circulating reports suggesting possible lockdowns due to the variant and urged the public to avoid panic.

“Walang dahilan para mabahala o mag-lockdown. Nauna nang inihayag ng ahensya nitong March 31, 2026, na nananatiling ligtas ang Pilipinas sa variant na ito,” the DOH said.

(There is no reason to worry or to impose a lockdown. The agency previously stated on March 31, 2026, that the Philippines remains safe from this variant.)—Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/MCG, GMA News