The CDC warns that cases of walking pneumonia are on the rise among children. Here are the symptoms and signs to look out for in babies and children.

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) — Walking pneumonia, a contagious form of pneumonia that doctors say was virtually non-existent during the pandemic, has returned.

CDC says cases of this pediatric disease are found in unusually high numbers, especially among very young children, so they want parents to know the symptoms in their little ones.

Ten-month-old Nathan looks as healthy as can be. His mother, Anahi Velasco, says they have managed to avoid illness so far.

“He didn’t actually get sick. So if he gets sick, it will be bad. I’m a new mom, so everything is new to me,” Velasco said.

Now there is a new warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about an alarming increase in the incidence of so-called walking pneumonia. Among the youngest people, he shows stronger than usual results.

“It usually occurs in school-age children, teenagers and young adults. But this year we’re starting to see it in younger people, ages 2 to 4, who are not typically classified as mycoplasma pneumonia,” said Dr. John Rodarte. , a pediatrician at Huntington Health Physicians.

Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria can infect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Rodarte said if it gets into the lungs, the air sacs can fill with fluid. This will result in the following symptoms: wet cough, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.

“Some people may have a very mild mycoplasma infection that can be cleared up without treatment with antibiotics. If it gets into the lungs, that’s when it causes pneumonia, and that’s when you often really need treatment. antibiotics,” he said.

That’s why health officials want parents and doctors to know about this type of pneumonia so children can get the right treatment if needed.

The CDC reports that it accounts for more than 7% of emergency department visits among children ages 2 to 17.

“If by the third week your cough is really lingering and getting worse, then it’s probably time to go and have it checked out. Or at any time if they seem to be short of breath or having trouble breathing,” Rodarte said.

Doctors say we could see more cases heading into the holidays. Velasco said she would do everything she could to protect her child from sick children.

“Especially during the colder months, I would try to get away a little bit,” she said.