IWK Health Centre seeing uptick in walking pneumonia cases this year
The IWK Health Centre in Halifax has reported a significant increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, commonly known as walking pneumonia, this year. According to the latest data from the hospital, there have been 161 cases of walking pneumonia reported so far, with 122 cases in the emergency department and 39 cases among inpatients. This is a stark contrast to the 11 cases reported in 2023, with only nine inpatients and two cases in the emergency department.
The rise in walking pneumonia cases is not isolated to the IWK Health Centre, as pediatric hospitals across Canada and the U.S. are also experiencing a similar trend. Dr. Emma Burns, the chief of the IWK emergency department, explained that there is a cyclical surge in Mycoplasma pneumoniae that typically peaks every three to seven years. This current increase was expected based on historical data.
Walking pneumonia primarily affects children and teens, with Dr. Burns noting that there has been a noticeable increase in cases among preschoolers. Symptoms of walking pneumonia in children typically start with a runny nose, aches, and feeling unwell, with or without a fever. This progresses to a cough and difficulty breathing, leading some children to seek emergency care for breathing assessments or persistent cough and fever lasting more than five to seven days.
Diagnosis of walking pneumonia can be made through a chest X-ray, although in communities without imaging equipment, doctors rely on clinical exams and patient history. While antibiotics are a common treatment for walking pneumonia, they may not always be necessary, as some individuals can recover without them.
Dr. Burns mentioned that the number of walking pneumonia cases appears to be decreasing as cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. Differentiating between RSV and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be challenging, as they present similar symptoms clinically and on chest X-rays.
Although Nova Scotia Health does not specifically track Mycoplasma pneumoniae cases, there has been an increase in pneumonia cases overall this year. In October, the central zone emergency departments, including the Halifax area, Eastern Shore, and West Hants, reported 753 cases of pneumonia compared to 260 cases in October 2023. Dr. Matthew Clarke, an emergency room physician in the central zone, highlighted that pneumonia cases are affecting all age groups, with a noticeable increase in children and young adults.
Preventive measures such as wearing masks when sick and practicing proper hand hygiene can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like walking pneumonia and pneumonia. It is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect oneself and others during this period of increased respiratory infections.
