In a recent and unusual surge, cases of walking pneumonia, a mild but contagious respiratory illness, are rapidly increasing among young children across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a public alert, urging parents and healthcare providers to be vigilant about symptoms, especially in children under five who are showing record-high rates of infection this year.
A Worrying Trend
Typically, walking pneumonia—caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria—affects older kids, adolescents, and young adults. However, data from the CDC now shows a surprising shift, with cases sharply rising among children aged two to four. The CDC’s recent data highlights this shift, reporting that emergency room visits for walking pneumonia in this younger age group jumped from 1% in spring to 7.2% by early October, an unprecedented sevenfold increase. Diagnoses in school-aged children and teens (ages 5–17) also spiked, nearly doubling over the same period.
“This increase among younger children is notable, as these infections historically affect school-aged kids more than toddlers,” said Dr. John Rodarte, a pediatrician with Huntington Health Physicians. Pediatric infectious disease experts say they started noticing this increase as early as spring, and cases have remained high through the fall.
Symptoms to Look For
Walking pneumonia, though generally milder than typical pneumonia, can still be tough on young children, especially those under five. It starts gradually, often with symptoms like a sore throat, mild fever, headaches, and a dry, persistent cough that worsens over two to three weeks. In toddlers, it can also trigger additional symptoms like wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and watery eyes. Since symptoms develop slowly, parents might mistake it for a common cold until the cough becomes constant and lingering.
Health officials recommend that parents monitor prolonged coughs in their children, particularly if they seem to be worsening after three weeks. In more severe cases, children may struggle to breathe or develop other complications like asthma flare-ups. “If your child’s cough lingers and gets worse by the third week, or if they have trouble breathing, it’s time to seek medical advice,” said Dr. Rodarte.
Why Is This Happening?
Several factors seem to be driving this year’s spike in cases. First, Mycoplasma infections appear to be returning to pre-COVID-19 levels after a dramatic drop during the pandemic, when other respiratory illnesses were also unusually low. Second, like many respiratory illnesses, walking pneumonia cases tend to cycle every few years. Experts believe that after a period of fewer cases, natural immunity has waned, making children more susceptible this year. New diagnostic tools also play a role; improved testing methods allow healthcare providers to detect the bacteria faster and more reliably than before, which could be uncovering more cases.
Spread and Diagnosis
Walking pneumonia spreads easily in crowded spaces like schools, daycare centers, and playgroups. The Mycoplasma bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets, so children can catch it by being around someone who’s coughing or sneezing. Unfortunately, symptoms often don’t appear until one to four weeks after exposure, making it difficult to trace the source of infection.
Healthcare providers typically diagnose walking pneumonia by recognizing respiratory symptoms, conducting chest X-rays, or using nasal swabs to test for multiple respiratory pathogens. Because Mycoplasma bacteria don’t respond to common antibiotics like amoxicillin, doctors may prescribe a specific antibiotic, such as azithromycin, to help clear the infection when necessary.
Taking Precautions This Fall
Walking pneumonia isn’t the only illness making a comeback. Cases of whooping cough—a highly contagious respiratory illness—have also surged this year, rising more than 340% compared to last year. Babies under one year old are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough and may require hospitalization for severe symptoms. As the holiday season approaches and respiratory illnesses remain high, parents are advised to limit exposure to sick individuals and prioritize hygiene practices.
Anahi Velasco, a new mother, shared her cautious approach: “I’m doing all I can to keep my baby away from sick kids, especially during the colder months when everyone seems to be catching something.”
When to Seek Help
Fortunately, most cases of walking pneumonia are mild and can clear up on their own. However, if a child’s cough is worsening, or if they develop breathing issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Since younger children are less commonly affected by walking pneumonia, unusual symptoms or prolonged illness should be taken seriously.
The CDC continues to monitor the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae across the country, providing updates to parents and healthcare providers. With vigilance and prompt care, families can navigate this respiratory season more safely.