The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2 is showing signs of global spread. Experts predict it will soon become the dominant strain, driving the worldwide outbreak. In preparation for a potential summer resurgence, health authorities are urging unvaccinated high-risk individuals to get their COVID-19 shots.
On April 18, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that the COVID-19 detection rate among suspected respiratory infection patients in outpatient clinics rose to 6.3% from 4.7% the previous week, a 1.6 percentage point increase. Last month’s variant breakdown showed PQ.2 and NB.1.8.1 each at 34.6%, BA.3.2 at 23.1%, and XFG at 3.8%.
BA.3.2 is the variant currently spreading worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of April 13, BA.3.2 had been identified in over 33 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
The BA3 subtype of the Omicron variant briefly appeared in early 2022 before vanishing, only to reemerge in November 2024 as the subvariant BA.3.2. Initially rare, BA.3.2 cases began increasing in September last year, peaking in December.
BA.3.2’s resurgence after a long dormant period has drawn comparisons to cicadas, earning it the nickname cicada variant. Like cicadas, which spend years underground before emerging, BA.3.2 seemed to disappear before making a comeback.
In South Korea, the variant’s prevalence is rising. From nearly 0% in November and December last year, it increased to 3.3% in January, 12.2% in February, and 23.1% in March. The KDCA expects this increase in BA.3.2 to contribute to an overall rise in COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Shin Sang-yeop, a senior researcher at the Korea Medical Institute and infectious disease specialist, told News1 that as a descendant of Omicron, BA.3.2 likely has similar transmissibility and severity. Its strong immune evasion capability suggests it could soon become the dominant strain worldwide, potentially surpassing previous summer outbreaks in scale.
However, both domestic and international health experts believe there’s no need for significant alarm. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that no increase in severity or virulence has been confirmed, and current vaccines remain effective.
While the KDCA stated that excessive worry is unnecessary, they are closely monitoring the situation. Unlike the flu, COVID-19 tends to surge in summer. Given the anticipated increase in infections, high-risk groups, particularly the elderly, should exercise caution due to the heightened risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
In response, the KDCA has extended the COVID-19 vaccination period for the 2025-2026 season from its original end date of the 30 to June 30. The vaccination campaign targets individuals aged 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems.
The KDCA strongly encourages unvaccinated individuals to get their shots. They urge unvaccinated high-risk individuals and those who received only one dose this season to visit nearby healthcare facilities for COVID-19 vaccination. It will continue to closely monitor the domestic COVID-19 situation, they emphasized.