A recent increase in cases of “walking pneumonia” has been reported in the US, with health providers observing a significant rise among young children. According to the CDC, diagnoses of walking pneumonia have climbed since spring and peaked in late August. The infection, caused by the bacterium mycoplasma pneumoniae, is known for its milder symptoms compared to traditional pneumonia.
The percentage of cases among children aged 2-4 years increased from 1% to 7.2%, while those aged 5-17 years rose from 3.6% to 7.4%. Pediatrician Dr. Mary Fairchok notes that the pediatric population is being disproportionately affected, as the infection typically affects school-age children more.
Walking pneumonia is characterized by mild respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, chest pain, and cough. The infection is highly contagious and spreads through droplets in the air. Symptoms can last up to six weeks, with a cough being the longest-lasting symptom.
The CDC attributes the recent rise in cases to increased detection due to improved testing methods, not necessarily an increase in the virus itself. The organization states that the summer’s social distancing measures and mask-wearing may have contributed to the decrease in cases since 2020.
While most people can recover on their own with over-the-counter medication, hospitalization is generally rare. Medical professionals can diagnose walking pneumonia through a nose swab test or blood work, and antibiotics are typically used as treatment.
Source: https://www.newsnationnow.com/health/what-is-walking-pneumonia