‘A-typical pneumonia’ is landing more children in Triangle-area hospitals for treatment.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, often referred to as ‘a-typical pneumonia’ is landing more children in Triangle-area hospitals for treatment.
It’s the same kind of bacteria that causes walking pneumonia.
Dr. Zachary Willis, UNC Children’s pediatric infectious disease specialist, explained the case volume the area is currently seeing is “a bit unusual.”
“Commonly, we would see it in older children and teenagers but recently we’re seeing it more in younger children which is something of a surprise,” Willis said. “Children as young as 2 years old we’re seeing with us.”
Willis explained that most who get sick with this type of pneumonia can recover on their own.
“There is no vaccine for this specific type of infection but there are antibiotics that are effective,” Willis said.
UNC Hospitals reports 40 positive cases of mycoplasma pneumonia were reported during the last week of October 2024. During that same period last year, zero cases were detected.
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