According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since late spring 2024, respiratory infections caused by the germ Mycoplasma pneumoniae have increased in the United States in children 2-17 years of age, particularly in children 2-4 years of age.
This germ is a common cause of mild respiratory illness, and infection usually presents as a chest cold. In some cases, this germ can cause pneumonia. In general, the pneumonia is mild (also called “walking pneumonia”), but in some cases, the pneumonia can be severe. Most people will recover from the infection without medication, but some people may need to take medication prescribed by a healthcare provider.
After being exposed to the germ, it can take 1-4 weeks for symptoms to appear, while some people will have no symptoms at all. Symptoms depend on the type of infection the person has, and symptoms may last for several weeks.
Symptoms of a chest cold include fatigue, fever, headache, slowly worsening cough, and sore throat. Children younger than 5 years old may have different symptoms, like diarrhea, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, vomiting and watery eyes.
Symptoms of mild pneumonia include cough, feeling tired, and fever and chills. Symptoms of severe pneumonia include shortness of breath, rapid breathing and difficulty breathing. Always seek medical care right away if you or your child is having difficulty breathing.
People spread this germ through tiny respiratory droplets when they cough and sneeze, infecting other people when they breathe in the droplets.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae are similar to other respiratory illnesses and while testing is the only way to know what illness you have, the personal care, treatment, and timeline for return to normal activities are similar among respiratory illnesses, namely:
If you have a fever, please stay home until you’re 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Advil). If you have a continuous, hacking cough (with or without mucus), please stay home until your cough is not constant. Wash your hands often and use a mask when around others while you’re not feeling well. Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough and sneeze. Drink plenty of fluids to loosen secretions and keep your body hydrated. Warm liquids, steamy showers, and the use of a humidifier can help open your airways and help with breathing.
Those at increased risk for infection include school-aged children and young adults, people who live or work in a crowded setting, those who are recovering from another respiratory illness, those with preexisting lung conditions (like asthma, reactive airway disease), and those with a weakened immune system.
Please feel free to call the Bedford Health Department at 781-275-6507, or email us at BOH@bedfordma.gov with any questions.
To learn more, click on the links to be directed to additional resources:
About Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: Causes and How it Spreads
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection Fact Sheet
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing