Major differences between Cicada and Omicron Covid strain as cases surge

As cases of the 'Cicada' Covid variant continue to increase across the globe, people are wondering how the new variant compares to previous strains, such as Omicron.

The highly-mutated strain, BA 3.2, has been spreading through the United States primarily, but there have been cases popping up in the UK and across the rest of the world, with scientists confirming that it is mainly children who are at risk from the virus.

The variant was first discovered at the end of 2024 but didn't make much noise until 2026 when it began spreading more rapidly. It takes its name after the insect, which emerges years after staying underground.

Unlike Omicron strains, Cicada has more variations that allow it to cause symptoms in those with previous immunity from either infection or vaccines. However, there are some other major differences to look out for.

The Cicada variant has been spreading across the US (Getty Stock Photo)

What are the symptoms of Cicada covid?

The symptoms of BA.3.2 are similar to those caused by other variants that are circulating right now.

Common COVID-19 symptoms in 2026 include:

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell or taste
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

Cicada has around 75 mutations in comparison to Omicron (Getty Stock Photo)

How is the Cicada covid variant different to Omicron?

Genetic mutations

The main difference between the Cicada variant and previous variants of the virus is that it's undergone around 75 mutations, which could mean it's a new threat to the immune system compared to other strains.

The spike protein on Cicada also looks a lot different. While early Omicron variants made the virus extremely contagious, but generally milder, NDTV explains that Cicada has a lot more immune invasion.

Andrew Pekosz, PhD, a virologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told TODAY: "It has a lot of mutations that may cause it to look different to your immune system."

Symptoms

Symptoms of Cicada match other Omicron strains. Common ones include:

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Runny nose or congestion
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Body aches

Less common symptoms may include:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Night sweats
• Skin rashes

One unusual symptom being linked to the ‘Cicada’ Covid variant is a particularly painful sore throat, with experts saying it may be more noticeable in some cases.

Vaccine evasion

It's thought that vaccines are less effective for the Cicada strain, however it's believed there could still be some protection against serious illness and death.

Which states have the 'Cicada' variant been found in?

(Getty Stock Images/Tyla)

• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Wyoming