Rise in walking pneumonia: Infections require awareness and preventative measures – Salisbury Post

Rowan County Health Department News Service

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are currently monitoring the increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases. M. pneumoniae is a bacterium that typically causes mild respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Although infections are particularly prominent among young children, cases have occurred in all age groups. Rowan County is also seeing an increase in cases among teenagers and school-aged children, including cases leading to hospitalization.

What is Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fatigue, fever, sore throat and cough. It most often causes a mild form of pneumonia, commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia” due to its relatively mild symptoms. While most people recover without complications, serious cases can occur, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems. Serious complications may include worsening asthma, severe pneumonia, or in rare cases, inflammation of the brain.

Latest trends and risks

The CDC reports that hospital emergency rooms are seeing an increase in diagnoses of M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia, particularly in children ages 2 to 4, an age group not traditionally associated with this infection. The increasing number of emergency room visits for M. pneumoniae infections underscores the need for public awareness and preventive steps to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Infections can occur in anyone, but are more common in children ages 5 to 17 and young adults. Children under five years of age often show slightly different symptoms, such as wheezing, diarrhea and vomiting. Outbreaks often occur in crowded environments such as nurseries, schools, and dormitories due to bacteria spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.

Tips to stay healthy

CDC recommends the following steps for the general public to help reduce the spread of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory infections:

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick: Mild symptoms, such as a persistent cough and low fever, can spread bacteria to others. This is especially important to prevent the spread of diseases among children attending nursery and school. These environments can lead to rapid spread, often among young children. The incubation period of the disease can last for weeks and may allow the disease to continue to spread within a classroom.

Get medical help when needed: If symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or persistent cough worsen, contact a healthcare professional, especially for young children or people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Treatment and recovery

Most M. pneumoniae infections are mild and can clear up without the need for antibiotics. While over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms in mild cases, some antibiotics may be prescribed to patients with pneumonia. However, not all antibiotics are effective against M. pneumoniae; Therefore, if symptoms persist or worsen, individuals are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment options.