Recent reports of a surge in child pneumonia cases in various regions, including China and parts of the United States, have prompted concerns and discussions about potential causes.
The World Health Organization highlighted a mysterious increase in child pneumonia cases in China, suggesting a link to a condition termed “white lung syndrome.”
Subsequently, health officials in Warren County, Ohio, reported a significant rise in typical pediatric pneumonia cases, with 145 incidents reported in children aged 3 to 14 since August. Similar increases were noted in Massachusetts, as explained by Becker’s Hospital Review.
Is there are true cause for concern?
An infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, William Schaffner, MD, said, “Initially, when we heard reports of an increase of a respiratory infections in China, many of us feared that we had seen this movie before, and it had the possibility of being like COVID.”
However, he also says that’s not the case. He says, “Now that data has been examined more closely, the opinion is that we are experiencing a seasonal increase in respiratory infection. It may be slightly more than usual but not unexpected.”
U.S. Pneumonia Rates Aligning with Standard Pre-Pandemic Levels
Addressing these concerns, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)indicated that the weekly percentage of emergency department visits with diagnosed pneumonia in the U.S. was generally consistent with pre-pandemic levels for children aged 0 to 4. There were slight increases above typical levels for children aged 5 to 17, but still within the expected range.
The CDC attributed these rises to viruses and bacteria typical during the respiratory illness season, emphasizing that they were not caused by a foreign pathogen.
“These infections we are seeing in the United States are all with viruses and bacteria that are normally here,” says Dr. Schaffner.
According to CDC reports, the agency will persist in monitoring elevated cases of respiratory illness in the United States and globally, including China.
What Has Been Causing the Recent Surge in Pneumonia Cases?
The identified pneumonia-causing pathogens in Ohio included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and adenovirus.
Mycoplasma bacteria were also implicated in rising childhood pneumonia cases in Asia and Europe.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) noted an increase in mycoplasma pneumonia in six European countries, emphasizing that such infections tend to surge every one to three years.
The Pandemic Could Be Leading to Clusters of Pneumonia Cases
Dr. William Schaffner suggests that the surge in pneumonia cases may be attributed, in part, to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and isolation periods have potentially led to a decrease in children developing immunity to mycoplasma infection.
The reassuring aspect is that pneumonia resulting from mycoplasma infection is typically mild and seldom necessitates hospitalization, as highlighted by the New York State Department of Health. Referred to colloquially as “walking pneumonia,” individuals often maintain their daily routines despite this illness.
The CDC notes that many individuals recover without requiring treatment, but for more severe infections, antibiotics can be beneficial. Nevertheless, caution is advised, as the American Lung Association warns, “Don’t be deceived. Walking pneumonia can be distressing and is frequently accompanied by symptoms such as a cough, fever, chest pain, mild chills, and headache.”
‘White Lung Syndrome’ Isn’t a Real Condition
Certain media outlets have been using the term “white lung syndrome” to describe pneumonia cases caused by mycoplasma, as lung inflammation can manifest as white patches on X-rays of individuals affected by pneumonia.
Dr. Schaffner expresses concern over the adoption of this “scary name,” suggesting it may be generating unnecessary controversy.
Infectious disease specialist Jake Scott, MD, from Stanford Medicine, issued a cautionary note on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that “white lung syndrome” is a fabricated term. He emphasized that any form of pneumonia would exhibit as white areas on X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans, and clarified that “It’s certainly not specific to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.”
If Possible, Avoid Pneumonia
With people gathering more and more, especially when indoors, more respiratory infections may be expected.
However, the American Lung Association suggests that people follow these tips to lessen their chances of getting pneumonia:
- Ensure you receive your annual flu vaccine to minimize the risk of flu-related pneumonia.
- Consult with your doctor to determine eligibility for a pneumonia vaccine (noted that there is no vaccine for viral or mycoplasma pneumonia, but specific individuals should receive the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine).
- Confirm with your doctor that your pertussis vaccine is current.
- Prioritize regular exercise, maintain a well-balanced diet, and ensure you get sufficient sleep.
- Practice frequent and thorough handwashing with warm, soapy water.
- Refrain from smoking.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth, and encourage others to do the same to mitigate the spread of infections.
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