New COVID variant spreading across Texas, California, Florida, New York, and other states sparks concern as officials warn it may linger longer and hit children harder

Texas – Texas was one of the U.S. states hardest hit by the COVID‑19 pandemic, with millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths reported since early 2020. Texas hospitals admitted over 500,000 COVID‑19 inpatients during the pandemic, pushing the system near capacity during major surges. And now, a new Covid variant threatens the Lone Star State again and begins to draw attention from health experts across the country.

The variant, officially known as “BA.3.2” and nicknamed the “Cicada” variant, has now been detected in at least 25 to 27 states, including major states such as Texas, California, Florida, and New York. It is part of the Omicron family and was first identified back in 2024, but remained largely unnoticed until it began spreading more widely last year—earning its “Cicada” nickname due to its long “underground” presence before resurfacing.

Health officials say the variant has now mutated in a way that may make it harder for the body to fight off, potentially leading to infections that last longer. Early observations also suggest that children may be more susceptible to this strain, raising additional concerns for families as the virus continues to evolve.

Experts monitoring spread as questions remain

Despite its growing presence, the Cicada variant currently represents only a small share of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that it makes up roughly 7% of detected cases in wastewater samples, while overall COVID activity remains relatively low in many areas.

In Texas, for example, monitoring sites in Travis County have reported low to very low levels of COVID activity, although Hays County has shown higher viral levels. Statewide, emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to COVID are trending downward, suggesting that the variant has not yet triggered a major surge.

Still, experts are closely watching its behavior, especially as travel increases heading into the summer months—a time when viral spread often begins to rise again.

“In the laboratory setting the virus … is not as responsive to antibodies against it, which at least in theory could raise a concern about its potential to evade immunity or vaccines,” said Dr. Manish Naik, chief medical officer for Austin Regional Clinic. However, he added a note of reassurance, saying, “The good news is, most of the cases of COVID we see are still milder, meaning this variant doesn’t appear to cause any more severe disease than the other variants, at least in the data that’s come out so far.”

Even so, uncertainty remains about how well current vaccines will hold up. “Are the current vaccines effective, or do we need a new version of the vaccine to really protect against this new variant?” Naik said. “I think the jury is still out on that.”

Symptoms and rising concerns in some areas

The symptoms associated with the Cicada variant appear similar to earlier strains, often resembling a combination of the flu and the common cold. Common signs include sore throat, headaches, cough, body aches, fever, and occasionally a loss of taste or smell. Some patients may also experience nausea or vomiting.

Doctors have also noted that respiratory illnesses this season have been lingering longer than usual. “This year, we’re seeing more frequent chronic symptoms as well, so people come in with their respiratory infection and then they wind up having a cough that lasts for a lot longer,” said Dr. Nida Zakiullah. “It does seem to be a little bit more of a prolonged and more severe respiratory season than usual.”

In East Texas, local health officials say the variant is beginning to show signs of increase, even if overall case numbers remain relatively low. George Roberts, CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District, explained, “So what we’re seeing right now, we’re not seeing lots of cases via the cicada variant, but we are noticing that is on the uptick. So and so far, it does not to be, appear to be a variant that’s causing any more severe symptoms than the normal covid 19.”

Staying cautious as the virus evolves

Health experts continue to stress that while the variant does not appear to cause more severe illness, its ability to spread and potentially evade immunity makes it worth close attention. Vaccination remains the primary defense, even if effectiveness may be slightly reduced.

Doctors are also reminding people to take basic precautions, including staying home when sick, washing hands regularly, and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen. For those who do become infected, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments can help manage symptoms, along with self-isolation to prevent further spread.

“Based on the nature of how viruses work, this is pretty expected,” Zakiullah said. “All viruses tend to mutate with time, and we see new variants. We see the same thing with flu as well.”

Looking ahead, experts warn that COVID-19 has shown a pattern of seasonal increases, particularly in late spring and summer, and another rise in cases cannot be ruled out. While hospitals remain well-prepared, officials say awareness and simple prevention steps remain key.

For now, the Cicada variant stands as a reminder that even as overall case numbers remain low, the virus continues to evolve—and its next move remains uncertain.