Cicada Cases in New Jersey. Cicada is a virus— a highly mutated strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As of March 2026, the CDC confirmed the variant in 25 U.S. states, including New Jersey, often identified through wastewater surveillance.

As of this writing this variant is still under monitoring in New Jersey. Cases are still not disclosed.

Now, you do not need to panic or worry because it is not yet a threat like pandemic. However, being complacent is not recommended as it is a virus that spreads and mutates quickly.

Cicada Cases in New Jersey

The first three U.S. detections of Cicada BA.3.2 among patients were reported from samples collected during December 4, 2025–January 4, 2026, in three different U.S. states.

BA.3.2 was detected in samples from two hospitalized older adult patients with comorbidities, including one patient admitted 4 days earlier for cardiac care, and a young child who received outpatient care. All patients survived. – CDC

The “cicada” COVID-19 variant (officially BA.3.2) is nicknamed after the insect because this variant first appeared in 2024, went dormant or “underground” for a period, and then resurfaced in the U.S. in late 2025, mimicking the insect’s long, dormant cycles. – PBS

Vaccines for Cicada virus in New Jersey

If you have severe sore throat, fever and chills, cough and congestion, fatigue and body aches, headache, gastrointestinal issues, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath do visit any walk-in clinic or urgent care for tests, exams, and even vaccinations if needed.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for all eligible individuals six months or older, maintaining broader access despite some more restrictive federal changes.

TIPS AND WARNINGS:

• You need to understand the importance of vaccination
• The immunization is also important!
• Urgent care center is the best place to go if you need to learn more about this cicada virus.
• There is no SPECIFC vaccine yet for this virus as of this writing. Vaccines for covid 19 are just a first line of defense. Further update or modification is needed prior to the new variant.
• Vaccines may not work well against “cicada” infection, but it will still probably protect against severe illness, University of Maryland respiratory expert Dr. Donald Milton said: “That still makes them worth taking. – PBS
• Health officials in New Jersey continue to recommend the 2025–2026 updated COVID-19 vaccines (such as the JN.1 or LP.8.1 adapted formulas).
• Prevention is better than cure. Wear mask, stay clean by washing hands, boost immune system and have a regular checkup.