New COVID Variant ‘Cicada’ Raises Concern – 7 Symptoms to Identify Infection

A new COVID-19 variant, Cicada (BA.3.2), is spreading rapidly across several states in the United States. Although first detected in 2024, its infection rate began to rise significantly in late 2025. By February this year, it accounted for nearly 30% of total cases in some Eastern European countries.

The most alarming aspect of this variant is its symptoms. Infected people often cannot distinguish whether they have a common flu or the Cicada variant. Many take it lightly thinking it’s just a regular flu and end up suffering complications.

Experts say the BA.3.2 variant has around 70 to 75 mutations, making it significantly different from previous variants. It can evade the body’s immune response as well as vaccine-induced immunity. Many people still confuse COVID infection with a common cold or flu.

7 Symptoms That Indicate You May Have Cicada:

1. Sore throat and difficulty swallowing — This is the most common early symptom. It usually lasts 3 to 5 days.
2. Dry cough, especially at night, often accompanied by chest pain.
3. Persistent fatigue even after rest, along with shortness of breath.
4. Heaviness in the head, runny nose, mild fever, or body aches.
5. Body aches — Common in both flu and COVID, especially in the first 48 hours.
6. Severe headache along with cold and cough.
7. Nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite — These symptoms usually appear on the second day.