In the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a national uptick in Mycoplasma pneumonia, particularly among young children, is unfolding. Commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia,” this infection is usually without severe symptoms but can present with protracted respiratory symptoms that raise concern for parents as it spreads through schools and homes across the country.
“It’s definitely a rising trend,” says Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist and associate professor at UT Southwestern. “We’ve been seeing a big influx of cases since spring and right into the school year.” Typically, Mycoplasma pneumonia presents as an infection with cold-like symptoms: a persistent dry cough, a sore throat, and fatigue. In serious cases, children can develop headaches and rashes and red eyes. Most of the children can be treated at home with hydration, rest, and management of fever; the infection at the root needs antibiotics such as Azithromycin for complete resolution, to which the common antibiotic Amoxicillin is ineffective.
Even more surprisingly, though, was the rise among even younger children, those aged 2-4, which really caused experts to raise eyebrows. According to Dr. William Edens, chief of the CDC’s Legionella and Atypical Pathogens Team, this population would not be typically as susceptible to Mycoplasma pneumonia, suggesting the spike might relate to children having limited exposure to usual pathogens during COVID-19 lockdowns. The infection is moved through respiratory droplets, meaning close-contact settings-like schools-are key transmission zones.
Symptoms can mirror the flu or COVID-19, but instead of resolving in a few days, may get worse over weeks. “While most cases are mild, warning signs of trouble include labored breathing, fever that persists, dehydration, and lethargy on a bigger scale. Parents should seek medical evaluation right away if that’s the case,” says Dr. Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency physician at Children’s National Hospital.
It will not spread with basic respiratory hygiene. Handwashing, covering one’s cough, and maintaining distance when symptomatic are effective. Currently, there is no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumonia; however, symptom knowledge and knowledge of how infection spreads assist the family and health care provider with management and containment of an outbreak.
The CDC said this marks the beginning of an upward trend of cases and is encouraging parents, teachers, and health care providers to remain vigilant during the ongoing respiratory illness season.
