COVID-19 Variants 2026: Nimbus, Stratus & Cicada — Complete Overview

COVID-19 Through Time: From Alpha to Nimbus

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has continuously evolved since its discovery in late 2019. This natural mutation is a normal biological phenomenon: all viruses mutate to adapt and survive. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, these mutations led to the emergence of various variants, some of which spread faster or caused different disease patterns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) closely monitors these variants and classifies them using the Greek alphabet or, since 2024, using weather terms. What began with the Alpha variant in 2020 progressed through Delta (2021) and Omicron (late 2021) to the current variants Nimbus, Stratus, and Cicada in 2026.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the origin, spread, and current dominance of COVID-19 variants, with a focus on the situation in Germany in March 2026.

Key COVID-19 Variants Since 2020

Alpha (B.1.1.7) — Late 2020

The Alpha variant was the first variant of concern (VOC). It was first detected in the UK and was characterized by increased transmissibility. Alpha was approximately 50% more contagious than the original Wuhan strain and led to a significant escalation of the pandemic worldwide.

Delta (B.1.617.2) — 2021

Delta was a turning point in the pandemic: this variant was significantly more infectious than Alpha and dominated globally in 2021. It also caused more severe disease, especially in unvaccinated persons. Delta was one of the most dangerous variants and led to massive hospitalization waves.

Omicron (B.1.1.529) — Late 2021 Onwards

The Omicron variant fundamentally changed the pandemic landscape. Although Omicron was highly transmissible, it typically caused milder disease than Delta—even in unvaccinated individuals. However, numerous subvariants quickly emerged:

• BA.1 (January 2022): The first dominant Omicron subvariant
• BA.2 (February 2022): Even more infectious than BA.1
• BA.4 / BA.5 (June 2022): Better immune escape, many reinfections
• XBB (October 2022): Hybrid recombinant
• JN.1 (January 2023): New subvariant with further immune escape
• KP.3 (2023–2024): Further evolution

All these subvariants belong to the Omicron family and generally cause milder infections than Delta. Since January 2022, Omicron variants and their subvariants have been globally dominant.

Current Variants in Germany (March 2026)

In March 2026, three main variants are circulating in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) continuously monitors these variants and publishes weekly prevalence reports.

Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) — The Currently Dominant Variant (62% of Cases)

Classification: Nimbus belongs to the Omicron family and is a further development of BA.1.8 subvariants.

Spread: With 62% of reported cases according to the RKI, Nimbus is by far the dominant variant in Germany. It has been detected worldwide in over 140 countries and is steadily increasing.

Symptoms: The characteristic symptom of the Nimbus variant is "razor blade sore throat," which occurs in approximately 60–65% of infections. These particularly intense sore throats feel like small cuts and are significantly more pronounced than in previous variants. Other common symptoms include:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Cough
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Muscle aches
• Headaches (occasionally)
• Mild fever (not always)

Severity: The WHO classifies the infection risk of Nimbus as low. It does not cause more hospitalizations or severe outcomes than its predecessors. However, in older people and immunocompromised individuals, symptoms may be more intense.

Vaccine Protection: Current vaccines (2025–2026 season) provide good protection against Nimbus infections and very good protection against severe disease.

Stratus (XFG) — Declining But Still Present (24% According to RKI)

Classification: Stratus is a hybrid recombinant derived from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, both Omicron descendants. It arose through recombination of two Omicron subvariant strains in the same host cells.

Spread: Stratus was dominant in the US during summer 2025 (up to 79% of cases) and then spread globally. In Germany, the share is currently around 24% and declining.

Symptoms: Similar to other Omicron variants, Stratus infections typically present with:

• Sore throat (primary symptom)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Severity: Stratus causes mild disease similar to other current Omicron variants. No increased disease severity has been documented.

Vaccine Protection: Current vaccines (adapted to LP.8.1) provide good to very good protection against Stratus infections.

Cicada (BA.3.2) — The Rising Variant (9% and Increasing)

Classification: Cicada is a highly mutated variant with over 50 mutations in the spike protein and over 100 total mutations compared to the original Wuhan strain. It belongs to the BA.3 lineage of the Omicron family.

Name Explanation: The name "Cicada" is symbolic: like the insect that spends years underground before suddenly emerging in large numbers, BA.3 was present in the background for a long time before suddenly regaining significance and recombining.

Spread: Cicada was first detected in Germany on April 29, 2025. Since then, its share has steadily increased. In March 2026, prevalence is approximately 9% and rising daily. The World Health Organization designated Cicada as a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM) on December 5, 2025.

Symptoms: Cicada infections resemble other Omicron variants but, due to better immune escape, can occur even in partially vaccinated individuals:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

Immune Escape: The high number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, enables Cicada to evade existing immunity (from vaccination or previous infection) better than earlier variants. This means more people can become reinfected despite previous COVID-19 infections or vaccination.

Severity: There is currently no evidence that Cicada causes more severe disease than its predecessors. Disease patterns correspond to the standard for Omicron variants.

Variant Overview Table

Variant	Pango Lineage	Germany Share (March 2026)	Transmissibility	Severity	Vaccine Protection
Nimbus	NB.1.8.1	62% (rising)	High	Low	Good (current vaccine)
Stratus	XFG	24% (declining)	Medium–High	Low	Good
Cicada	BA.3.2	9% (rising)	High	Low	Reduced

VOC and VOI: How Variants Are Classified

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) classify new SARS-CoV-2 variants based on their danger and transmission potential:

• VOC (Variant of Concern): These variants show increased transmissibility, more severe disease, reduced vaccine effectiveness, or diminished therapeutic or diagnostic effectiveness. This is the highest classification.
• VOI (Variant of Interest): These variants have mutations with potential impacts on fitness or transmissibility but have not yet shown documented significant global impact.
• VUM (Variant Under Monitoring): These variants show evolutionary changes and could be of interest but are not yet classified as critical. Cicada received this classification on December 5, 2025.

Current surveillance can be found on the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) website, which publishes weekly situation reports with the latest prevalence data.

Do Rapid Tests Detect Current Variants?

Good news: YES, all current COVID-19 rapid tests reliably detect the Nimbus, Stratus, and Cicada variants.

Why? Rapid tests are based on detection of the nucleocapsid protein (N-protein), not the spike protein. The N-protein is highly conserved—relatively unchanged—across all Omicron variants. Therefore, mutations in the spike protein (which are so numerous in Cicada) cannot impair the functionality of rapid tests.

Confirmation by the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI): The PEI, which certifies all COVID-19 rapid tests nationwide, has confirmed that CE-marked antigen rapid tests on the market reliably detect the new variants Nimbus, Stratus, and Cicada.

Tips for Accurate Test Results:

• Correct Timing: Rapid tests are most effective when viral load is highest—typically on days 1–2 after symptom onset.
• Correct Technique: Follow the test instructions exactly: swabbing depth, sampling location, and wait time are crucial.
• For Negative Tests with Strong Symptoms: A PCR test (laboratory test) is more reliable and should be performed.
• Combination Tests: If you want to test simultaneously for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, combination tests for COVID-19, flu & RSV are a practical option.

Trust CE-certified COVID-19 rapid tests from established manufacturers. For a detailed comparison of different tests, we recommend our comprehensive COVID-19 rapid test comparison 2026.

Protective Measures 2026

Although the pandemic is no longer in its acute phase, important protective measures remain:

Vaccination: The latest COVID-19 vaccines (2025–2026 season) have been adapted to the LP.8.1 lineage and offer better protection against current variants. A booster is particularly recommended for:

• Individuals aged 60 and over
• People with chronic illnesses
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Healthcare workers
• People whose last infection or vaccination was more than 6 months ago

Regular Testing When Symptomatic: When experiencing respiratory symptoms, you should test yourself to rule out COVID-19 infection. This protects especially vulnerable people in your surroundings. Read also our guide to buying rapid tests.

Hygiene: Basic measures remain important:

• Regular handwashing (at least 20 seconds with soap)
• Respiratory etiquette (cough/sneeze into your elbow)
• Maintain distance when coughing or sneezing
• Clean work surfaces regularly

Isolation When Infected: If you have confirmed COVID-19, you should stay home for at least 5–7 days and avoid contact to prevent transmission.

Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Special attention should be given to older people, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. They should be tested quickly if showing illness signs and seek medical attention if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which COVID-19 variant is currently dominant in Germany?

The Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) dominates in Germany with approximately 62% of reported cases (as of March 2026). Followed by Stratus (24%) and the emerging Cicada variant (9%). These shares change weekly and can vary by region.

2. Is the Cicada Variant Particularly Dangerous?

No. Although Cicada is highly mutated and better evades immunity, it does not cause more severe disease than other current Omicron variants. The WHO and ECDC rate the disease risk as low. However, people with underlying conditions or older individuals may experience more intense symptoms.

3. Do Rapid Tests Detect the Nimbus Variant?

Yes, definitely. All CE-marked COVID-19 rapid tests reliably detect Nimbus because they detect the conserved N-protein, not the mutable spike protein. The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) has confirmed this functionality.

4. Are There Updated Vaccines Against the New Variants?

Yes. Vaccines from the 2025–2026 season have been adapted to the LP.8.1 lineage and offer better protection against current variants like Nimbus and Stratus. A booster is particularly recommended for those over 60 and vulnerable groups.

5. What Are the Typical Symptoms of the Nimbus Variant?

The characteristic symptom is intense sore throat—specifically "razor blade sore throat," which occurs in 60–65% of infections. Additional symptoms include runny nose, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes mild fever. Most people recover within 7–10 days.

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Last Updated: March 2026. COVID-19 variant information changes regularly. Find current data on the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) website and the World Health Organization (WHO).