CDC warns walking pneumonia infections spiking this year, especially among young children

Infections from the bacteria responsible for walking pneumonia have spiked this year, the CDC warns, with cases increasing significantly among younger children.

The bacteria, called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a common cause of respiratory illness and is spread through coughing and sneezing. The CDC found that cases have increased this year in both kids and adults, but young ones ages 2-4 have been hit the hardest, an unusual trend because that age group is not often impacted by the infection.

Despite the name, only 5-10% of cases become pneumonia. When a person does develop pneumonia, it tends to be more manageable, which is why it's called "walking pneumonia." The infections are generally mild and cause a chest cold. But it can persist for weeks and cause a fever, chest pain and other symptoms. In rare cases, people end up hospitalized.

There is no dedicated surveillance system for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, so health care providers aren't required to report cases to their health departments. But based on lab data and doctor's visits, the CDC estimates there are roughly 2 million infections each year.

Over the past six months, more patients have been showing up in emergency rooms with pneumonia or acute bronchitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, according to the CDC. Infections began to rise in late spring and peaked in late August.

The Illinois Department of Public Health also issued an alert warning physicians, day cares, schools and parents about the rise in cases.

Symptoms and how to treat it

Symptoms tend to develop gradually and can include a fever, cough, headache and sore throat. Some patients get a rash, according to the CDC. Symptoms can stick around for up to a month.

Children younger than 5 can have different symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, watery eyes and wheezing.

While rare, serious complications can occur requiring hospitalization: new or worsening asthma, severe pneumonia, kidney problems and brain swelling.

In most cases, people recover on their own with rest and treatment at home. Certain antibiotics can be used to treat the infection when it causes pneumonia, according to the CDC.

There is no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. As with any respiratory infection, handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes can help prevent the spread.