Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, has been witnessing a significant surge among children across the nation. Louisiana, specifically within Region 6 which includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, is observing one of the largest spikes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other respiratory illnesses are also beginning to pick up. At the start of November, mycoplasma pneumonia accounted for around 7% of all pneumonia-related emergency visits among children, while typically it represents less than 1% of such visits.

Impact on Louisiana Hospitals

Louisiana hospitals are clearly noticing the increase. Dr. Michael Bolton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, stated, "We’ve seen more cases than usual in terms of more severe pneumonia in kids with this bug. More so than we have in years past." The spike in pneumonia cases comes as other seasonal respiratory viruses are starting to increase as well. Bolton said, "It’s starting to pick up right now, probably because people spent time together over Thanksgiving."

Mycoplasma Pneumonia - Causes and Symptoms

Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Initially, symptoms are similar to a cold and include a runny nose, sneezing, low energy, and a sore throat. From there, some children may develop a deep, lingering cough. Additionally, mycoplasma pneumonia can cause neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, difficulty with balance, and an altered mental status. While it is typically more common among school-age kids, this year the spike is more pronounced in younger children ages 2 to 4, which is unusual. This particular bacteria usually peaks every three to seven years and often resolves on its own without causing pneumonia. The entire nation is seeing more cases in young kids. Dr. Kent Humble, medical director for Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care, said, "I don’t know if anybody understands exactly what is going on." Most cases are mild, which is why it is called "walking" pneumonia. Some believe the increase might be due in part to the bacteria developing resistance to the typical antibiotics used to treat it. Bolton added, "We’ve seen a little more resistance than historically noted for this bacteria… so we’ve had to go to alternative drugs."

RSV on the Rise

Influenza and RSV are also on the rise, though not more than what is typical for the season yet. Dr. Mark Kline, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and physician in chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, said, "Influenza is probably going to be a milder-than-average season, from what I’m seeing so far." According to wastewater data, influenza remains low in Louisiana. But the state currently has high levels of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. Louisiana’s rate is about 130% higher than the national rate for RSV and is one of eight with "high" or "very high" levels. About 20% of tests for RSV are coming back positive at Children’s. There was hope that new vaccines for pregnant women, infants, and older adults might curb RSV numbers, but it’s likely too early to see an impact. Among adults over 60, 3.5% received the RSV vaccine in Louisiana. Infants under 8 months old born during or just before their first RSV season and those under 19 months who are at higher risk of disease entering their second RSV season are eligible for a monoclonal antibody immunization for RSV, which provides temporary protection. About 4% of Louisiana children received it last year.

COVID-19 Levels

COVID-19 levels are low nationally and in Louisiana, according to wastewater data. For parents trying to limit illness, the advice remains the same: try not to spread germs to others and wash your hands. Bolton emphasized, "You would be amazed, when you watch somebody for two minutes, how many times they put their fingers or hands in places where germs are."