Surge in Walking Pneumonia Cases Among Children in Ontario: What Parents Need to Know
- Doctors in Ontario report an increase in walking pneumonia cases, particularly among children.
- Allan Grill from Markham Stouffville Hospital noted that he and his colleagues have observed more cases anecdotally.
- Grill diagnosed three children with pneumonia in a single week, confirmed by chest X-ray.
Walking Pneumonia Cases on the Rise in Ontario
Doctors in Ontario report an increase in walking pneumonia cases, particularly among children. Walking pneumonia, known as mycoplasma pneumoniae, has mild symptoms like fever and cough. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Public Health Ontario (PHO) do not track these cases because they are not reportable.
Dr. Allan Grill from Markham Stouffville Hospital noted that he and his colleagues have observed more cases anecdotally. Emergency rooms have especially reported more cases in children under five, contrasting with the usual ages for this illness.
Dr. Grill diagnosed three children with pneumonia in a single week, confirmed by chest X-ray. Although there is no official surveillance, he and other doctors feel a noticeable increase in cases.
Experts suggest that the pandemic public health restrictions limited exposure to common viruses and bacteria. Many children did not encounter mycoplasma before. The current rise may reflect a cyclical increase in infections.
Tammy DeGiovanni from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) reported a surge in patients, with daily numbers rising from about 150 to 200-250 in recent days. Similar trends are noted in U.S. hospitals, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifying increased walking pneumonia cases, especially in young children.
Symptoms to Watch For
Parents should monitor children for respiratory symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
If a child’s fever lasts more than five days or if they show signs like lethargy or shortness of breath, they should see a doctor.
How Does Pneumonia Spread?
Mycoplasma spreads easily through respiratory droplets. It can transmit in crowded places like households, schools, or daycares. To help prevent spread:
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
Parents should ensure children are up-to-date with vaccinations, such as the flu shot. This can help reduce the risk of both viral and bacterial infections like mycoplasma pneumoniae.