Health experts warn of a surge in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, commonly known as 'walking' pneumonia, especially among young children. Cases have been steadily increasing since spring, peaking in late August and remaining at high levels. The bacteria cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
SEATTLE — This holiday season, try not to give your loved ones something that will take their breath away. At least, not like this.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in illness and hospitalization due to Mycoplasma pneumonia,” said Dr. Mary Fairchok, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. “Adults can get Mycoplasma too, but it’s really hitting the pediatric population.”Seattle Children’s Hospital has experienced a similar wave. Earlier this year, the hospital saw fewer than four cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia in a typical week, said Dr.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, or M. pneumonia — the illness caused by the bacteria — is considered to be common, according to the CDC, which reports about 2 million such cases a year. But because there’s no national reporting or dedicated surveillance system that tracks these infections, the actual figure is hard to confirm, the agency said.
There’s also been recent evidence COVID-19 infections can cause significant long-term changes to the immune system, which could help explain some long COVID symptoms or a weaker immune response, Fairchok said.
PNEUMONIA MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE RSV INFLUENZA CHILDREN
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