Cicada COVID Variant in DC, Maryland: Essential Facts You Need to Know
The BA.3.2 COVID-19 subvariant, nicknamed Cicada, is drawing attention in the United States and abroad. Health authorities report detections in multiple states and several countries.
Where Cicada has been found
Scientists first identified BA.3.2 in South Africa in November 2024. The first U.S. patient case was confirmed in January.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the strain has spread to 25 U.S. states. Wastewater surveillance has flagged the variant in more than 20 states.
At least 23 countries have reported BA.3.2 detections. In some European countries, it accounts for roughly thirty percent of recent cases.
Local detections in the DMV
Maryland and Virginia appear on the CDC’s lists. The agency recorded six positive wastewater samples in Maryland.
Virginia returned one positive wastewater sample. That sample came from airplane wastewater collected at Dulles International Airport.
Washington, D.C., has not had a confirmed case reported to health officials.
Symptoms and clinical outlook
Reported symptoms with BA.3.2 mirror other recent COVID-19 infections. Common complaints include nasal congestion, headache and fatigue.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Changes to smell or taste
Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., medical director at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, notes severe sore throat as a frequently reported symptom. He and other experts say BA.3.2 does not yet appear more severe than prior variants.
Why the “Cicada” nickname
Public health experts and media adopted the Cicada nickname because the variant emerged with little early notice. The name compares the strain to the insect that can remain hidden for years before surfacing.
Public health response and guidance
The CDC began monitoring BA.3.2 closely in March. Officials are assessing whether the variant can evade immunity from past infections or vaccines.
The agency continues to encourage vaccination and boosters. It also recommends masking indoors in crowded spaces to curb spread.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told PBS that vaccines in development may provide protection against BA.3.2.
Search interest reflects concern. Queries such as “Cicada COVID Variant in DC, Maryland: Essential Facts You Need to Know” show residents seeking localized guidance.
Filmogaz.com will update coverage as public health agencies release new data.
