Since the late spring, bacterial infections causing pneumonia have been increasing in young children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
More and more kids across the country are being diagnosed with pneumonia after exhibiting chest cold symptoms. The proliferation of bacterial infections causing pneumonia started in late spring and peaked in late August but continues to persist.
And it is not unique to the United States, either.
In Japan, people have been encouraged to wear masks as the country sees the worst onset of “walking pneumonia” in over two decades. The term refers to the period late into a pneumonia infection when symptoms can lessen. As a result, those infected may leave the house more often, risking infecting others.
Pneumonia and acute bronchitis seen in emergency departments are caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. This bacteria has the potential to damage the respiratory tract lining, including the throat and lungs.
The CDC says that between March 31 and Oct. 5, there has been a marked increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases compared to 2023. For children ages 5-17, rates have doubled
In children ages 2-4, cases have jumped even more, rising from a 1% infection rate to 7.2%. The CDC says the increase in the younger group is particularly concerning since M. pneumoniae is typically not the leading cause of pneumonia in this age cohort.
Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, a slowly worsening cough, and a sore throat, while younger children typically experience diarrhea, wheezing, or vomiting. While M. pneumoniae can infect all ages, those 5-17 and young adults tend to be the most at risk.
Since M. pneumoniae bacteria spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual, health experts urge people to cover their sneezes and coughs to help reduce transmission. Vigorously and regularly washing your hands can also help lessen the chance of contracting the virus.
The CDC recommends that anyone with worsening symptoms, like difficulty breathing, contact their health care provider.