The U.S. is currently seeing a sharp rise in walking pneumonia Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, particularly among young children. Data from the CDC reveals that between March 31 and October 5, 2024, the share of pneumonia-related emergency room visits significantly increased, especially in children.
For children aged 2 to 4, visits surged from 1.0% to 7.2%, peaking at 10.7% in August 2024. Similarly, among children aged 5 to 17, visits rose from 3.6% to 7.4%, peaking at 9.8%.
This trend is unusual, as walking pneumonia has traditionally affected school-aged children more than younger ones.
The Midwest, particularly states like Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, has been hit the hardest, with clusters of cases reported in schools.
Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia that typically allows individuals to continue their daily activities, though symptoms include dry cough, low fever, fatigue, and chest pain.
It spreads through airborne droplets, posing greater risks to children, those with weakened immune systems, or people with chronic respiratory issues like asthma.