Severe ‘a-typical’ Pneumonia Hits Kids in US, Overwhelms Hospitals

United States: Mycoplasma pneumonia, also referred to as ‘a-typical pneumonia,’ is sending more and more children to hospitals for treatment in the Triangle area.

More on the outbreak

It’s caused from the same type of bacteria that gives individuals ‘walking pneumonia,’ a mild form of pneumonia. Dr Zachary Willis, UNM children’s infectious disease specialist, said that the current incidence of cases that the area is seeing is “a bit unusual.”

“Commonly, we would see it in older children and teenagers, but recently, we’re seeing it more in younger children, which is something of a surprise,” Willis stated.

“Children as young as 2 years old we’re seeing with us,” he continued.

However, Willis went on to say that although people who end up with this kind of pneumonia are likely to suffer serious complications, many can treat themselves.

“There is no vaccine for this specific type of infection, but there are antibiotics that are effective,” Willis explained.

Details on the increase in cases

Mycoplasma pneumonia was documented in 40 cases in UNC hospitals during the last working week of October 2024.

However, zero cases were reported during the same period in the previous year.

Moreover, “Fall is when it most commonly comes around, however we have not seen this much mycoplasma, at least since before the pandemic,” Willis added.

“We’ve seen these sorts of unusual spikes of different types of respiratory viruses and bacteria over the past few years, and this is another one of those,” he continued.

Health Experts Issue Warning

In October, the CDC issued an alert about rising infections in children, and the DHHS confirmed an uptick in pediatric pneumonia cases being admitted to emergency departments across the state.

The Triangle, Charlotte, and Triad areas have seen the highest concentrations of cases.

Willis said an infection could occur in any child, but those with complications, including asthma, would be more vulnerable.

The doctor also described a fever or a cough that takes longer to go away as a sign someone has pneumonia.

According to Willis, “People who have it may think they have viral pneumonia or a bronchitis type of infection. It can cause fever, cough, and sore throat, which are very common types of symptoms,” wral.com reported.

They include fever, cough, breathing faster, breathing deeper, wheezing or grunting sounds, chest or belly pain, vomiting, and chills. Willis suggests parents constantly watch out for signs of affiliation of illness within the household.

“If you’re sick, stay home from work. If your children are sick, keep them home from school for a few days so that we’re not spreading bacteria and viruses around,” he warned.

He also encouraged parents to make appointments to ensure both they and their children are vaccinated for COVID, flu, and RSV as the weather turns colder.

“We do have vaccines for a lot of these things, and we can prevent a lot of illnesses, prevent a lot of missed work, prevent a lot of missed school, and prevent a lot of trips to the emergency department and to the hospital as well,” Willis noted.

This is so because most medical professionals can diagnose pneumonia from the sound produced when the patient is breathing. In some circumstances, a chest X-ray may also be requested.