Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2 — Worldwide, November 2024–February 2026 The SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.3.2 was first identified in South Africa on November 22, 2024, in a respiratory sample. This variant has approximately 70–75 substitutions and deletions in the spike protein gene sequence compared to JN.1 and its descendant, LP.8.1, which are antigens used in the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employs a multimodal genomic surveillance approach to monitor the emergence and spread of BA.3.2 globally and within the United States. As of February 11, 2026, BA.3.2 had been reported in 23 countries. Detections began increasing in September 2025, with the first U.S. detection occurring on June 27, 2025, through the CDC’s Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program. A clinical specimen from a patient in the U.S. was reported on January 5, 2026. By February 2026, BA.3.2 had been identified in nasal swabs from four U.S. travelers, three airplane wastewater samples, clinical samples from five patients, and 132 wastewater samples from 25 U.S. states. The CDC’s surveillance efforts include digital public health monitoring internationally and genomic surveillance in the U.S., combining data from the National SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance program, the Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance program, and the National Wastewater Surveillance System. These systems track sequences submitted to open-access repositories like the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data and NCBI GenBank, as well as monitor media, preprint databases, and social media for variant reports. Genetic analysis of BA.3.2 sequences revealed mutations in the spike protein that may reduce protection from prior infections or vaccinations.#south_africa #cdc #sars_cov_2 #global_initiative_on_sharing_all_influenza_data #ncbi_genbank
