CDC Reports Surge in Walking Pneumonia Cases Among U.S. Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant increase in cases of walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, among children in the United States. This form of pneumonia is caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria and has been on the rise since early summer, particularly affecting preschool-aged children.

According to the CDC, the number of children aged 2 to 4 who visited emergency rooms for pneumonia and tested positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased dramatically, from 1% in April 2024 to 7.2% in early October. Cases among older children also doubled during the same period, rising from 3.6% to 7.4%.

Walking pneumonia is characterized by general symptoms such as headache, sore throat, low fever, and chills. The infection often starts with a dry cough that worsens over two to three weeks. Unlike typical pneumonia, walking pneumonia allows individuals to continue with their daily activities, hence the term “walking pneumonia”.

The CDC has emphasized that first-line antibiotics like amoxicillin and penicillin are ineffective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Instead, antibiotics such as azithromycin are typically used for treatment. The agency has issued a bulletin to inform parents and healthcare professionals about the increase in infections and the need for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets, particularly in crowded environments like schools and nursing homes. The infection can remain in the body for one to four weeks before symptoms appear, making it challenging to recall recent exposures.

While up to 75% of children and young adults may recover without treatment, the infection can worsen existing conditions like asthma and, in rare cases, affect areas outside the lungs, such as the lining of the brain and spinal cord or the nerves affecting vision and movement.