Bacterial Pneumonia in Young Children on the Rise, CDC Reports
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase in bacterial pneumonia cases among young children. Pneumonia, a common lung infection, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. However, recent CDC data highlights a particular rise in cases linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterial strain. This trend has been observed "since late spring" and remains high, impacting children disproportionately.
The CDC notice, released on Oct. 18, describes the increased cases of M. pneumoniae in young children as especially "notable." Data shows that among children ages 2 to 4, cases have risen from approximately 1% to over 7%, while cases among older children aged 5 to 17 have grown from about 3% to over 7%.
Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections can damage the lining of the respiratory tract, affecting areas like the throat, trachea, and lungs. Symptoms of infection typically resemble those of a chest cold, including fever, cough, and sore throat. In some cases, the infection may lead to "walking pneumonia," where symptoms are mild and less severe.
For children under 5, symptoms of M. pneumoniae infection can vary from those seen in older children and adults. In addition to common chest cold symptoms, younger children may experience:
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
Treatment for Bacterial Pneumonia Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae
In many cases, people with *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infections can recover on their own, and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat. However, some cases require medical intervention, particularly when symptoms are more severe or persistent.
Treatment often involves specific antibiotics, such as macrolides, which are effective against M. pneumoniae. Notably, M. pneumoniae is naturally resistant to some antibiotics commonly used to treat other types of bacterial pneumonia, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate prescription.