close
close

Pasteleria-edelweiss

Real-time news, timeless knowledge

    • Walking pneumonia is on the rise. Here’s what you need to know
    bigrus

    Walking pneumonia is on the rise. Here’s what you need to know

    Harry Posted on

    play

    cases “walking pneumonia” It is increasing across the country, and the disease largely affects young children.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced earlier this week that it is “closely monitoring the recent increase” in recent infections, thanks to an unusual and “remarkable” increase in infections among children ages 2 to 4.

    “Walking pneumonia” is a type of respiratory disease; That is, it is spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can become infected when they breathe in these droplets, according to the CDC.

    With Halloween festivities on the horizon, many Americans, especially children, will be spending time around large groups of people, which could increase the infection rate across the country and in Arizona.

    Although “walking pneumonia” sounds severe, it is considered a mild illness and most people do not experience severe symptoms. However, there is a risk of symptoms such as fever, headache, gradually worsening cough, and other complications.

    Here’s what you need to know about “walking pneumonia” or Mycoplasma pneumonia in the United States.

    What exactly is walking pneumonia and why is it called that?

    Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of mild respiratory disease that can cause “walking pneumonia.”

    Mycoplasma is a bacterium that can infect different parts of the body. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of mycoplasma that can cause respiratory infections.

    While some people experience severe symptoms, the majority of infected people do not experience severe symptoms, so they cannot stay home or in bed. Thus the phrase “walking pneumonia” was coined.

    Is the right arm or the left arm better for shooting? It might actually be important. Here’s what the experts say

    Why is walking pneumonia spreading among children?

    Since late spring, the number of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections has increased, especially among young children.

    The CDC warns that the increase in children ages 2 to 4 is “remarkable” because the infection has not historically been considered the leading cause of pneumonia in this age group.

    Mycoplasma pneumoniae discharge diagnosis data from March 31 to October 5, 2024, show an increase across all age groups in the United States, peaking in August and remaining high. However, the increase was as follows: highest among children.

    During this time period, this rate increased from 1.0% to 7.2% for children aged 2-4 and from 3.6% to 7.4% for children aged 5-17.

    In 2023, Mycoplasma pneumoniae began to spread. re-emerge globally After the number of reported cases dropped at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The CDC has seen an increase in the percentage of pneumonia-related emergency room visits with a Mycoplasma pneumoniae discharge diagnosis so far in 2024.

    Flu prevention: AZ health officials say cases have increased during these months. How is it prepared

    What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?

    Common symptoms of “walking pneumonia” include fever, cough, and sore throat.

    Young children may experience different symptoms such as diarrhea, wheezing or vomiting.

    Although rare, serious complications of infection requiring hospital care may occur, including new or worsening asthma, severe pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

    How is walking pneumonia spread?

    Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria are spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people can become infected by breathing in these droplets.

    Outbreaks often occur in crowded environments such as schools, university dormitories and nursing homes.

    Most people who stay briefly with someone who has Mycoplasma pneumoniae do not become infected. However, people who spend a lot of time with someone who has Mycoplasma pneumoniae are at increased risk.

    Some people are more likely to be infected than others. For example, people recovering from respiratory illness and people with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious infection.

    When do infections occur most often?

    Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are more common in the summer and early autumn.

    How to prevent the spread of walking pneumonia

    Halloween, which many Americans celebrate together, may increase or accelerate the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.

    For many children, Halloween is celebrated by going door to door and asking residents for candy. For adults, Halloween is celebrated by going to parties, bars, or other gathering places.

    In both cases, large groups of people will interact directly with each other. Infections may increase or accelerate as Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets.

    CDC recommends Strategies to prevent respiratory virusessuch as washing hands and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

    USA TODAY reporter Greta Cross contributed to this article.

    Reach the reporter’s address [email protected] or at X @ZachBradshaw14.

    Harry
    View all posts

    You Might Also Like