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The new variant was first found in South Africa in November 2024 and has since spread to at least 23 countries;BA.3.2 was first identified in the United States in January 2026 and currently makes up less than 1% of cases in the country, according to“In the U.S., it has been detected in wastewater across multiple states which suggests low-level spread, but it has not emerged as the dominant variant,”While COVID-19 levels are low throughout most of the country, this variant is capturing researchers’ attention for a reason. Here’s what to know:BA.3.2 has more mutations than many other COVID-19 variants, which makes it “concerning,” one expert says. “BA.3.2 is a newer SARS-CoV-2 variant that public health officials are watching closely because it has a large number of spike protein mutations, which may help it partially evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination,” said Madad. “It does have more mutations than some other variants ... in the spike protein, which is particularly relevant for various proxies of whether this could cause more problems to humans,” Karan said.The mutations make this variant potentially worrisome and are the reason it caught researchers’ eyes as they monitor emerging COVID-19 variants, Karan said. “So, I would say it is concerning in that way,” Karan added."BA.3.2 is a newer SARS-CoV-2 variant that public health officials are watching closely because it has a large number of spike protein mutations, which may help it partially evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination," said Dr. Syra Madad.Since BA.3.2 makes up a relatively small percentage of COVID-19 cases right now, it’s hard to say exactly what symptoms it causes. But Karan said current COVID symptoms aren’t too different from what has been seen in recent years — “upper respiratory symptoms, not pneumonias, but more runny noses, sneezing, headaches, body aches.”“We’re still going to have to wait and see whether or not this variant causes more severe disease,” Karan added. “That’s really the big question with any COVID variant at this point.” “So far there is no evidence that it is causing more severe illness on a population level,” Madad said. Recent COVID variants have caused milder disease overall than what was seen when COVID first emerged, Karan said. This doesn’t mean that COVID is no longer causing hospitalization, death and long COVID, but it’s now less likely to do so.As with other COVID-19 variants, the best way to avoid getting sick is by taking all the precautions recommended during the pandemic.practicing frequent hand-washing, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, staying away from people who are sick and staying up-to-date on COVID vaccines. If you notice any COVID symptoms, you should stay home and away from others. Taking a COVID test is also a good idea; if you test positive for COVID, your doctor can prescribe anti-viral treatments that can help you feel better faster.“represents a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2” and is “genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages that have circulated in the United States since January 2024.”“Lab studies suggest BA.3.2 may reduce some antibody protection compared with other circulating variants but vaccines remain an important layer of defense, particularly for older adults and higher-risk groups.”“The best advice this spring is to stay up-to-date on vaccination, practice good hand hygiene, stay home when sick and take extra precautions if you’re older or immunocompromised,” Madad noted.Realness delivered to your inbox By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our
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