A recent surge in cases of walking pneumonia, a mild form of lung infection, has been reported nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of patients discharged from emergency departments with a diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated pneumonia or acute bronchitis has increased over the past six months.
In South Carolina, cases of walking pneumonia are being diagnosed at higher rates than in the past. The Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health reported an almost 5-fold increase in diagnoses last month, particularly in the Lowcountry region.
Dr. Jeremy Byrd, a local physician, notes that he has seen a significant rise in walking pneumonia cases over the past year. He attributes this to the fact that patients with mild cases often continue to walk around despite their symptoms, rather than seeking medical attention.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia include coughing, mild chest pain, mild fever, headache, and fatigue. Dr. Byrd emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if one suspects they may have contracted the infection. “Covering your cough and washing your hands makes the biggest difference,” he advises.
Source: https://www.wspa.com/news/top-stories/walking-pneumonia-cases-on-the-rise-in-the-upstate-nationwide