BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There's a significant rise in walking pneumonia cases across the United States and now it's hitting close to home in Western New York.
Here's what we know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Symptoms typically include a fever, sore throat, and persistent cough.
- It isn't considered a serious condition for more than 80% of people.
- The largest increase in cases is among children between the ages of one and four.
"A common cause of walking pneumonia, which has been circulating in our community is a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae," said Dr. Thomas Russo, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. "So, if people are out interacting with others, and they're infected, they can spread that infection to others."
Dr. Russo is keeping a close watch on this situation. He said to expect an increase in COVID and flu cases over the coming weeks.
"The reason we're concerned about Mycoplasma infections is a small minority of individuals could have more serious complications," added Dr. Russo.
Dr. Kathleen Grisanti of Pediatrics & Adolescent Urgent Care of Western New York has been dealing with the spike in cases.
"We’re seeing an uptick in walking pneumonia," said Dr. Grisanti. "A lot of kids coming in with cough and fever."
Health experts suggest that the aftermath of the COVID pandemic could be affecting the rise in cases.
"A hangover from the pandemic is part of the issue," said Dr. Russo. "During the COVID pandemic, people weren't interacting, they were staying in their homes. As a result, we have many more children who were never infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and therefore, are now more susceptible."
Dr. Grisanti and Dr. Russo remind everyone that wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing things like coughing into your elbow, can decrease the spread of this infection, along with vaccinations.
You can learn more about walking pneumonia from health professionals in the video above.