A COVID-19 variant designated BA.3.2 and nicknamed "Cicada" has been detected across multiple countries and states, according to health surveillance data.

The variant has been identified in at least 23 countries worldwide and approximately half of the U.S. states, indicating its presence across diverse geographic regions.

Despite its spread to numerous locations, current data suggests that BA.3.2 represents only a small percentage of active COVID-19 cases. The variant's detection has prompted monitoring by health officials, though its clinical significance remains under evaluation.

Health authorities continue to track the variant's prevalence and characteristics as part of ongoing genomic surveillance efforts. The nickname "Cicada" follows a recent trend of giving informal names to COVID variants, though the World Health Organization maintains its own formal designation system.

The detection of new variants is part of routine global surveillance systems established to monitor the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.