The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently warned of an increase in infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for “walking pneumonia.” This surge is particularly observed among young children, especially those between the ages of 2 and 4.
The spike appeared to have peaked two months ago, but health officials aren’t sure if the numbers will keep going down. The CDC believes that around two million people in the U.S. get infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae annually.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria linked to several respiratory illnesses, and it spreads through the droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes. While it can affect people of all ages, it has been more noticeable in kids.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection often include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dry cough
- In some cases, a rash
According to the New York Times, a pediatrics professor, Dr. Geoffrey Weinberg, says that children can also experience head and earaches with this infection. Unlike illnesses like flu or COVID-19 which usually get better in a few days, the symptoms here develop slowly and can persist for a month.
Dr. Matthew Isaac Harris, a PEM physician, shared with PEOPLE that the term “walking pneumonia” refers to the fact that patients usually appear healthier compared to those suffering from regular pneumonia. This can occasionally result in a delay in diagnosis.
As of the time of writing, the reason for the current increase in M. pneumoniae infections is still not known. However, according to the CDC, they are monitoring this rise through various surveillance methods to assess changes in demographics, illness severity, and outcomes compared to pre-COVID-19 infections. They are also engaging with healthcare providers and health departments to raise awareness and track antibiotic resistance.
Although the number of cases is concerning, PEOPLE and NPR report that doctors have stated that walking pneumonia is very manageable with antibiotics, often using azithromycin, also known as a Z-pack, as an example. Patients just need to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better quickly.