Walking Pneumonia on the Rise in Washington
As the country begins to experience respiratory illness season, local health experts are warning about a surge in cases of "walking pneumonia," caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.
According to Dr. Mary Fairchok, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, the hospital has seen a "dramatic increase" in cases of walking pneumonia, with most cases occurring in children. Dr. Fairchok also noted that many of the young infants and older children being hospitalized with pneumonia had not previously received the necessary antibiotics.
The bacteria, which often causes mild illnesses, can still lead to severe cases, and the exact cause of the surge is still unclear. The state Department of Health has not reported specific cases of M. pneumonia, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported around 2 million cases of pneumonia caused by this bacteria each year.
In addition to walking pneumonia, other viruses such as RSV and influenza are also experiencing a surge. Dr. Danielle Zerr, chief of infectious diseases and virology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, reported a significant increase in cases of both RSV and influenza, especially among children.
RSV, which was previously reported as being low last year, is now on the rise, and the percentage of emergency department visits linked to the virus has quadrupled. Influenza cases have also skyrocketed, with many hospitals seeing large numbers of admissions.
While it is not entirely clear why this year’s pneumonia surge is happening, experts suspect that the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to a reduced immune response and an increase in the spread of many pathogens.
To avoid respiratory infections, public health officials and medical professionals stress the importance of hand washing, wearing masks, ventilating indoor spaces, and staying home when sick. Regular vaccination and prompt medical attention when symptoms arise can also help to reduce the transmission of these infections.
What You Can Do
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and avoidance of close contact with others who are sick.
- Wear masks in crowded spaces and when social distancing is difficult.
- Ensure that you are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Stay home and rest if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, as this can help to reduce transmission and prevent spread of the disease.
- Be aware of and report any suspicious symptoms, and seek medical attention if necessary.
By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses and prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
