Cases of a specific type of pneumonia called mycoplasma pneumonia are increasing across the U.S., particularly among young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC).
According to an NPR report, Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist at UT Southwestern and Children's Health in Dallas, has observed the rise firsthand. This condition, caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, initially appears as mild cold symptoms but progresses to a persistent, disruptive cough.
Sharma noticed the symptoms in her 12-year-old daughter, who came home with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, which progressed to a lingering cough. “She had a runny nose, some sneezing, a little bit of sore throat, and a little bit of kind of feeling fatigued, lower appetite,” Sharma said.
The CDC reports that cases started to rise in the spring and summer and have continued into the fall. Schools are significant points of transmission among children, who then bring it home.
Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., notes that mycoplasma pneumonia cases have increased tenfold this year. While many cases are mild, this condition often goes unrecognized as more than a common cold. Doctors mention that the infection typically affects kids and teens aged 5 to 17 but is now seen more in children aged 2 to 4.
Sharma, Ward, and Dr. Adam Ratner from New York University emphasize that most children can be treated at home with hydration, rest, and appropriate fever medications. “If parents or caregivers notice that their child is having difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated, seems much sleepier than usual, or if they remain sick – particularly with fever – for more than five days, they should be assessed by a health care provider,” said Ward.
What is Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike other types of pneumonia, it often presents with milder symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics such as Azithromycin, as commonly used antibiotics like Amoxicillin are ineffective against it. Once fever-free for 24 hours without medication, children can return to school. However, symptoms might persist for weeks, and the infection can still spread during this time.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms
Dr. Buddy Creech from Vanderbilt University Medical Center noted an increase since early summer, particularly in preschool-age children. Factors contributing to the surge include the return to pre-pandemic infection rates, cyclic nature of mycoplasma infections, and advanced diagnostic tests now available.
This year, the CDC observed a significant spike with cases peaking in mid-August, but numbers remain high. Notably, other lung infections like whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus are also on the rise.
Mycoplasma infections begin with generic symptoms like headache, sore throat, and low fever but evolve into a persistent dry cough. Most recover without treatment, but some cases worsen pre-existing conditions or cause severe illness.
According to an NPR report, Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist at UT Southwestern and Children's Health in Dallas, has observed the rise firsthand. This condition, caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, initially appears as mild cold symptoms but progresses to a persistent, disruptive cough.
Sharma noticed the symptoms in her 12-year-old daughter, who came home with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat, which progressed to a lingering cough. “She had a runny nose, some sneezing, a little bit of sore throat, and a little bit of kind of feeling fatigued, lower appetite,” Sharma said.
The CDC reports that cases started to rise in the spring and summer and have continued into the fall. Schools are significant points of transmission among children, who then bring it home.
Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., notes that mycoplasma pneumonia cases have increased tenfold this year. While many cases are mild, this condition often goes unrecognized as more than a common cold. Doctors mention that the infection typically affects kids and teens aged 5 to 17 but is now seen more in children aged 2 to 4.
Sharma, Ward, and Dr. Adam Ratner from New York University emphasize that most children can be treated at home with hydration, rest, and appropriate fever medications. “If parents or caregivers notice that their child is having difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated, seems much sleepier than usual, or if they remain sick – particularly with fever – for more than five days, they should be assessed by a health care provider,” said Ward.
What is Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike other types of pneumonia, it often presents with milder symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever. This can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics such as Azithromycin, as commonly used antibiotics like Amoxicillin are ineffective against it. Once fever-free for 24 hours without medication, children can return to school. However, symptoms might persist for weeks, and the infection can still spread during this time.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
Dr. Buddy Creech from Vanderbilt University Medical Center noted an increase since early summer, particularly in preschool-age children. Factors contributing to the surge include the return to pre-pandemic infection rates, cyclic nature of mycoplasma infections, and advanced diagnostic tests now available.
This year, the CDC observed a significant spike with cases peaking in mid-August, but numbers remain high. Notably, other lung infections like whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus are also on the rise.
Mycoplasma infections begin with generic symptoms like headache, sore throat, and low fever but evolve into a persistent dry cough. Most recover without treatment, but some cases worsen pre-existing conditions or cause severe illness.
You may also like
8,000 North Korean troops in Russia, US claims
Doctor issues 'do not eat' warning over potatoes with two subtle signs
Binghatti's latest project sees 50% of units sold in one day
More than 400 people come forward over Al Fayed sexual abuse claims
Labour's cruel and callous farm tax is a death sentence to family-run businesses
