Health authorities have reported the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant known as BA.3.2 in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that this variant has been detected in at least 23 countries as of February 11. BA.3.2 possesses approximately 70 to 75 mutations in its spike protein, which facilitates its entry into human cells. The CDC identified BA.3.2 in nasal swabs from four travelers, clinical samples from five patients, and wastewater samples from 132 sites across 25 states.

This variant was first detected in the US in June 2025 in an individual returning from the Netherlands. Reports indicate that between November 2025 and January 2026, the weekly prevalence of BA.3.2 surged to about 30% of cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. Experts have noted that BA.3.2 exhibits 'immune escape characteristics,' suggesting it may partially bypass the immunity provided by vaccines or previous infections. While this could increase the likelihood of infections, it does not necessarily lead to more severe illness. The CDC has classified BA.3.2 as a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2, distinct from the JN.1 lineages that have been circulating in the US since January 2024.

The CDC has confirmed the presence of BA.3.2 in wastewater and clinical samples across 25 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. Surveillance indicates that the variant is found in both urban and rural regions, although the actual prevalence may be underestimated due to varying genomic testing capabilities among states.

Researchers have identified two sublineages of BA.3.2, designated BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2, indicating ongoing mutations of the virus. Given that these changes may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines or immunity from past infections, the CDC has emphasized the importance of continuous genomic monitoring.