The incidence of walking pneumonia is increasing. Here’s what you need to know

Cases “walking pneumonia” The incidence is increasing throughout the country, and the disease mainly affects young children.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it was “closely monitoring the recent increase” in the number of recent infections, thanks to an unusual and “noticeable” surge in infections among children ages 2 to 4.

Walking pneumonia is a type of respiratory illness, meaning it is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can become infected if they inhale these droplets, according to the CDC.

With Halloween festivities approaching, many Americans, especially children, will be spending time among large groups of people, which could increase infection rates across the country and in Arizona.

Although walking pneumonia may seem serious, it is considered a mild illness and most people do not experience severe symptoms. However, there is a risk of symptoms such as fever, headache, slowly worsening cough and other complications.

Here’s what you need to know about “walking pneumonia” or mycoplasma pneumonia in the United States.

What is walking pneumonia and why is it called that?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of mild respiratory illnesses that can cause “walking pneumonia.”

Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can infect various parts of the body. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of mycoplasma that can cause respiratory tract infections.

Although some people experience severe symptoms, a significant proportion of infected people do not experience severe symptoms and are unable to stay home or stay in bed. This is how the phrase “walking pneumonia” appeared.

Why walking pneumonia is spreading among children

Since late spring, the number of cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has increased, especially among young children.

The CDC warns that the increase in children ages 2-4 is “noticeable” because the infection has historically not been recognized as a leading cause of pneumonia in this age group.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolation diagnostic data from March 31 to October 5, 2024 show an increase in incidence among all age groups in the United States, peaking in August and remaining high. However, the increase was tallest among children.

During this period, the percentage increased from 1.0% to 7.2% among children aged 2–4 years and from 3.6% to 7.4% among children aged 5–17 years.

In 2023, Mycoplasma pneumoniae began to be reborn all over the world after the number of reported cases dropped early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently in 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeing an increase in the percentage of emergency department visits for pneumonia with a discharge diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?

Common symptoms of walking pneumonia include fever, cough and sore throat.

Young children may have a variety of symptoms, such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, or vomiting.

Although rare, serious complications from the infection that require hospital treatment can occur, including new or worsening asthma, severe pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

How is walking pneumonia transmitted?

The bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can become infected by inhaling these droplets.

Outbreaks occur primarily in crowded settings such as schools, college dorms and nursing homes.

Most people who spend a short time with someone who has Mycoplasma pneumoniae do not become infected. However, people who spend a lot of time with people who have Mycoplasma pneumoniae are at increased risk.

Some people are more likely to become infected than others. For example, people recovering from respiratory illnesses and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of serious infection.

When does infection most often occur?

Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae most often occurs in summer and early autumn.

How to prevent the spread of walking pneumonia

Halloween may increase or accelerate the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria as many Americans celebrate together.

Many children celebrate Halloween by going door to door asking residents for candy. Adults celebrate Halloween by attending parties, bars, and other gathering places.

In both cases, large groups of people will interact directly with each other. Because Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets, the infection may become worse or accelerated.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends strategies that prevent respiratory virusessuch as washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes.

USA TODAY reporter Greta Cross contributed to this article.

Contact the reporter at [email protected] or on X in @ZachBradshaw14.