Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing

Bacterial infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased in the United States since late spring and have remained high. The proportion of patients discharged from emergency departments with a diagnosis of M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia or acute bronchitis has been increasing over the past six months, peaking in late August 2024.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of mild respiratory illness. Since late spring, the number of infections caused by M. pneumoniae has been increasing, especially among young children. This differs from published studies in previous years, when most infections were observed among school-aged children and adolescents.

Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can infect different parts of the body. M. pneumoniae is a type of Mycoplasma that can cause respiratory tract infections. The bacteria can damage the lining of the respiratory tract, including the throat, windpipe, and lungs.

M. pneumoniae infections are generally mild and mostly present as a chest cold but may also present as pneumonia. Symptom onset is typically gradual and can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. When an M. pneumoniae infection progresses to pneumonia, it's typically a less severe form of bacterial pneumonia commonly referred to as "walking pneumonia."

M. pneumoniae infections can occur at any age, but they most often occur among children ages 5–17 years and young adults. Younger children may have different symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, wheezing, or vomiting).

M. pneumoniae can cause "walking pneumonia" ‎ People with pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae can seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection. With mild symptoms, people may not stay home or in bed. Thus, the phrase "walking pneumonia" was coined.

M. pneumoniae spread through respiratory droplets

M. pneumoniae bacteria are spread by inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets. Strategies that prevent respiratory viruses, such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, also prevent these bacteria from spreading.

Outbreaks occur mostly in crowded environments such as schools, college residence halls, and nursing homes. Outbreaks can be prolonged due to:

the long incubation period of M. pneumoniae, which is between one and four weeks;
the ability of the bacteria to persist in the respiratory tract for several months; and
the prolonged presence of symptoms such as coughing.
Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone who is sick with M. pneumoniae don't get infected. However, people who spend a lot of time with someone who is sick with M. pneumoniae are at increased risk.

Some people are more likely to get infected than others. For example, people recovering from respiratory illness and those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk for serious infection.

Treatment with antibiotics could help people who develop pneumonia

Most people with a mild M. pneumoniae infection will recover on their own without medicine. Over-the-counter medicines can help you feel better while you're recovering.

What parents can do :

Learn about M. pneumoniae symptoms such as fever, headache, and a slowly worsening cough. Stay aware of who might be at higher risk of severe disease, including people with asthma or reactive airway disease.

Protect yourself and others by following core prevention strategies to prevent spread of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory germs.

Seek medical care if you or your child has persistent or worsening symptoms of possible M. pneumoniae infection, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, especially if you or they might be at higher risk of developing severe disease.

If you think your child is showing signs or symptoms of pneumonia please contact our office to schedule an appointment. North Shore Pediatrics always has same day sick appointments even on Holidays and weekends!