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    • Cases of walking pneumonia in children are increasing. What are the symptoms?
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    Cases of walking pneumonia in children are increasing. What are the symptoms?

    Harry Posted on

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    Walking pneumonia, or Mycoplasma pneumonia, infections are on the rise among children in the Des Moines area.

    The increase follows trends reported by the Center Disease Control Prevention in mid-October. An increase in the number of patients diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia has been observed in the last six months. This condition is typically associated with “walking pneumonia” or acute bronchitis. USA TODAY.

    The percentage of children ages 2 to 4 diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia increased from 1% to 7.2% between March 31 and October 5. HKM. For children aged 5-17, there was an increase from 3.6% to 7.4% in the same time period.

    Walking pneumonia cases at Des Moines MercyOne and Blank Children’s Hospital

    MercyOne and Blank Children’s Hospital have seen an increase in pediatric cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia.

    “Mycoplasma is not always associated with the start of school,” said Joseph McGargill, chief medical officer of MercyOne Medical Group. “This is a typical season for croup or parainfluenza virus.”

    There has been an increase in walking pneumonia cases at Blank Children’s Hospital for several weeks. There is also an increase in the respiratory virus parainfluenza, which causes croup-type cough.

    MercyOne has a similar trend in adult pneumonia patients, said Aneesa Afroze, director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at MercyOne Medical Center.

    What is Mycoplasma pneumonia, the cause of walking pneumonia?

    Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can cause pneumonia. causes respiratory tract infections. The most common type is bronchitis, which is chest cold. pneumonia less common typecauses lung infection.

    The bacteria is spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

    When infection progresses from a cold in the chest to pneumonia, it is usually less severe than typical pneumonia and presents as “walking pneumonia.”

    What are the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia?

    After someone is exposed to walking pneumonia, it can take one to four weeks for symptoms to appear. Depending on the symptoms, symptoms may last for several weeks HKM. Some people who are infected show no symptoms.

    Symptoms include:

    • feeling tired
    • Fire
    • Headache
    • Cough that gradually gets worse
    • Sore throat

    What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia in children?

    Children aged 5 and under may experience the following symptoms instead of cold symptoms.

    • Diarrhea
    • sneeze
    • Sore throat
    • Nasal congestion or runny nose
    • Vomiting
    • watery eyes
    • Grunt

    How is mycoplasma pneumonia treated?

    Most people recover without medication, but Some cases may need to be treated with antibiotics.

    Over-the-counter medications can also help during recovery.

    Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases

    To help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as walking pneumonia, The CDC recommends the following:

    • Stay up to date with vaccinations
    • Practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing
    • Take steps for cleaner air such as opening doors/windows; replacing the central heating, ventilation or air conditioning filter; active activities outdoors
    • Follow precautions such as staying away from others and wearing a mask when around others for at least five days

    If you believe you or someone you know may have a Mycoplasma pneumonia infection, contact a healthcare professional.

    Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. reach out to him [email protected] or follow him on Twitter: @kkealey17.

    Harry
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