The IWK Health Centre in Halifax has seen an increase in cases of walking pneumonia, also known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, so far this year. According to recent data, there have been 161 reported cases, with 122 in the emergency department and 39 inpatients. This is a significant spike from last year’s 11 cases.
Pediatric hospitals across Canada and the US are seeing a similar trend. Dr. Emma Burns, chief of the IWK emergency department, attributes the surge to a natural cycle that occurs every three to seven years. She notes that walking pneumonia typically affects children and teens, presenting with symptoms such as runny nose, aches, and pains.
The most common way walking pneumonia presents in children is through respiratory issues, including coughs and difficulty breathing. In some cases, it can be misdiagnosed due to its similarity to RSV. Dr. Burns advises that wearing masks and practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of the illness.
While antibiotics are often prescribed for walking pneumonia, Dr. Burns notes that not everyone needs them. Some people recover on their own without treatment. Nova Scotia Health has seen an increase in overall pneumonia cases this year, with 753 reported in October compared to 260 last year.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/iwk-sees-uptick-in-walking-pneumonia-cases-this-year-1.7398847