Rise of the new 'Cicada' COVID BA.3.2 Variant: What It Means for Singapore in 2026

A new COVID variant, officially known as Variant BA.3.2, was first detected in South Africa in 2024. The Cicada COVID BA.3.2 variant has been quietly spreading, much like the cicada insect that lurks underground undetected, earning it the nickname 'Cicada'. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national public health agency of the United States, this variant has now been detected in 23 countries.

Should we be worried about the Cicada BA.3.2 COVID variant in Singapore?

On March 14, it was reported that a 10 year old Singaporean girl, arriving in Taiwan was infected with this new variant. This could mean that the virus is already lurking around in Singapore. While there is no evidence that the new SARS-COV-2 variant is any more severe than the existing variants that are circulating, it is possible that the vaccines available are less effective against the new variant. The symptoms for the Cicada variant is also similar to other COVID variants. These symptoms includes:

• sore throat
• cough
• fever
• congestion
• headache
• fatigue
• gastrointestinal distress
• loss of smell or taste

As an airborne disease, a highly populated and globally connected country such as Singapore might be at a higher risk of transmission. In April to May 2025, there was a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations within Singapore, showing that COVID is still capable in causing severe illnesses. Health Sciences Authority (HSA) continues to encourage vaccination for vulnerable groups, including:

• Individuals aged 60 years and above
• Medically vulnerable individuals aged 6 months and above
• Residents of aged care facilities

What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the new variant

Generally, it is recommended to wear masks in areas with higher risk of transmission, such as crowded areas or indoors. Individuals could also get COVID-19 vaccinations for further immunity. In daily lives, one should also maintain proper hygiene by washing hands frequently. Avoiding people who have known illnesses or infections can also reduce the risk of being infected.

The symptoms for the Cicada COVID variant is similar to common cold and flu. Hence, it can be difficult to differentiate between the diseases. Despite COVID-19 being treated as an endemic disease, prevention is better than cure for individuals with compromised or lowered immune response. Infants below 1 year old also have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, parents and caregivers must take extra precautions to protect these groups of individual from the uncertainty of the Cicada variant.