Pneumonia cases are rising among children in the US

The bacteria can damage throat, windpipe and lungs

The infections caused by the bacteria are usually mild

Though uncommon, serious complications may occur

An estimated two million infections occur each year in the US

Respiratory infections on the rise

Respiratory infections caused by the bacteria ‘Mycoplasma pneumoniae’ have increased in the United States, especially in young children, since the start of the shool year, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Increasing diagnosis of a bacteria

Over the past six months, emergency rooms in the country have discharged an increasing number of patients with a Mycoplasma pneumoniae diagnosis, according to USA Today.

More than a 6% increase in the youngest

Between March 31 and Oct. 5, the percentage of children ages 2-4 who were diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae grew from 1% to 7.2%, according to the CDC. And among children ages 5-17, the percentage of diagnoses grew from 3.6% to 7.4% .

The bacteria can damage throat, windpipe and lungs

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.

Photo: Unsplash/CDC

The infections caused by the bacteria are usually mild

M. pneumoniae infections are generally mild and mostly present as a chest cold but may also present as pneumonia, according to the CDC. Symptom onset is typically gradual and can include fever, cough, and a sore throat.

“Walking pneumonia”

Even if the infection progresses to pneumonia, it's typically a less severe form of bacterial pneumonia commonly referred to as "walking pneumonia," given that people may not have to stay in bed and go about their normal lives.

Photo: Mladen Borisov/Unsplash

Though uncommon, serious complications may occur

However, though uncommon, serious complications from infection can occur that require hospital care, including new or worsening asthma, severe pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain disease), according to the CDC.

How it’s spread

M. pneumoniae bacteria are spread by inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and people breathe in those droplets, and are more commonly spread in crowded environments, such as schools, which may explain the rise of infection in children.

How to prevent it

Strategies that prevent respiratory viruses, such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, also prevent the M. Pneumonia bacteria from spreading, the CDC says.

An estimated two million infections occur each year in the US

Although on the rise, M. Pneumoniae infections are common, with an estimated 2 million infections occurring each year in the US. The true number of people affected every year, however, is unknown as there's no national reporting or dedicated surveillance system to track these infections.

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