Cook Children's Sees Rise in Cases of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

This summer, the Emergency Department at Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth is experiencing a significant spike in cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia, which is a common bacterial infection that can cause “walking pneumonia” in children. Usually, this infection presents with cold-like symptoms, which are treated at home. Around 10% of cases are more severe, especially for children with pre-existing conditions like asthma.

Last week, 80 out of the 398 patients tested were positive, resulting in a 20% positivity rate across our health care system. Looking at the same week last year, there was a 0% positivity rate. Children are spreading this when they're in close contact with others who have it, like at summer camps and swimming.  This specific type of pneumonia is spread through respiratory droplets. Good handwashing and staying home when not feeling well are the best ways to not spread this disease. 

Mycoplasma pneumonia is very treatable and is most commonly seen in children over the age of 5. This summer, it is being seen in every age group, from infants to adolescents. 

Severe symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia include prolonged coughing, fever, rashes in the mouth, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and large blisters and rashes on the skin. Parents should seek medical care if they are concerned about cold-like symptoms. If your child has a fever for more than five days, difficulty breathing, or concerns for dehydration visit the Cook Children's Emergency Department.

Symptoms for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: It can take one to four weeks for symptoms to appear after someone's been exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms can last for several weeks. Some infected people may have no symptoms. Symptoms depend on the type of infection.

Chest cold symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Headache
• Slowly worsening cough
• Sore throat

Younger children may have different symptoms

Instead of chest cold symptoms, children younger than 5 years old may have:

• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Vomiting
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing

Pneumonia symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Cough
• Feeling tired
• Fever and chills
• Shortness of breath

M. pneumoniae can cause "walking pneumonia"‎

People with pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae can seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection. With mild symptoms, people may not stay home or in bed. Thus, the phrase "walking pneumonia" was coined.