The pneumonia occurring when you were a kid is apparently not a big cause for concern. There have been multiple recent Pneumonia outbreaks documented in countries, such as in France, Denmark, China and America; specifically in Ohio. According to experts, these outbreaks are caused by known bacteria, Mycoplasma pnemoniae. These outbreaks are actually a part and parcel of seasonal changes; however, they are causing some panic in people who have just now gotten out of a global pandemic, which was covid.
However, health experts say that it is nothing to worry about as it is a part of the normal seasonal surges along with the combination of some populations who have just come out of COVID-19 lockdown.
While experts are saying that this is not anything alarming; however, many are curios to understand what is Mycoplasma pnemoniae, the bacteria which according to experts is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
What is Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?
Virus is the culprit behind COVID-19, flu or SARS; however, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium, which can cause pneumonia by destroying the lining of the trachea, throat and lungs (1). This is a common bacterium and a common cause for pneumonia in America (1). It was identified more than a century back (2). These bacteria were seen in lung disease in cattle, but not identified as causing “atypical” pneumonia in humans till the year 1944, where the scientists thinking that it was a fungus, named it so after the Greek term used for anything formed by fungus (2).
How Contagious is Mycoplasma Pneumonia and What Are Its Features?
This condition spreads through respiratory droplets from one person to another from close contact (1).
Respiratory infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is fairly common, with an estimation of 2 million cases reported in America each year (3). It was characterized as “atypical” pneumonia in the early 1930s, as the patients have symptoms for a longer duration without being significantly ill and the antibiotics also had limited effects on this. This is commonly also known as “walking pneumonia” and symptoms consist of: fever, cough, breathlessness, fatigue and chest pain. This bacterium can affect an absolutely healthy individual aged 5 to 20 years old and potentially spread from one to another, so it can be seen in outbreaks or clusters. This tends to occur in late summer and fall.
The unusual feature of this type of pneumonia can be seen on a chest x-ray, where other bacterial pneumonias affect a part of the lung and Mycoplasma Pneumonia affects the entire lung giving it a reason to be called atypical pneumonia.
What are the Risk Factors for Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
Individuals who are older in age and already suffering from health conditions are at higher risk to catch this pneumonia quickly. Individuals working or living in crowded areas, such as homeless shelters, schools or military bases are at increased risk for contracting Mycoplasma Pneumonia (5).
What are the Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
The symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia consist of fever, cough, breathlessness, fatigue and chest pain (4, 5).
Some of the severe symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia are fever, wheezing, diarrhea, vomiting, eye pain, ear pain, muscle soreness and pain; joint pain and stiffness, rapid breathing, neck lump and rash or lesions on the skin.
What is the Treatment for Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
Most of the times, patients suffering Mycoplasma Pneumonia are able to recover without needing any medications. Antibiotics are the primary medicine given for treatment of Mycoplasma Pneumonia along with medicines to treat symptoms like fever, pain etc.
Is There Any Association Among The Pneumonia Spikes Occurring in France, China, Ohio and Netherlands?
There is no evidence that these pneumonia outbreaks are connected; hence, there is no need to panic. As people have emerged from the phase of the COVID-19 and gotten back to their daily tasks where they are not frequently washing hands, wearing masks, or practicing social distancing and travelling more; all this is causing the normal respiratory diseases to emerge again. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not any cause of concern and will subside after running its course.
Should We Be Worried About Spreading of Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
There is no need to lose your sleep about spreading of Mycoplasma pneumonia. Most of these recent outbreaks have occurred in children in the initial few months of getting back to school and being in close proximity with others is one of the causes of this occurring in groups. It is absolutely normal to have clusters of Mycoplasma pneumonia and nothing to worry here as things will get back to normal like before.
Someone who is older in age or is already suffering from various health diseases need to be careful and need to take more precautions with hygiene and even wearing a mask.
What are the Complications of Mycoplasma Pneumonia?
Complications though rare can include musculoskeletal complications, neurological complications and dermatological manifestations.
How to Prevent Mycoplasma Infections?
For preventing this infection caused by the Mycoplasma bacteria, one should focus on building their immunity by eating a healthy diet, getting good sleep and regular exercise. It is best to avoid crowded spaces to prevent spreading this infection.
Wearing a mask is a good measure when in crowded places to prevent contracting Mycoplasma Infections or any other infection.
Following good hygiene by frequent washing of hands after interacting and before eating and also making use of sanitizer whenever needed goes a long way in preventing Mycoplasma pneumonia.
Conclusion
Mycoplasma pnemoniae is responsible for the pneumonia outbreaks occurring around the world in different countries including America. This bacterium is a common cause for community-acquired pneumonia and is commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia.” It can easily spread among dense populations, more so if interacting in close quarters. The increase in respiratory illnesses is normal and is seen seasonally and no need to lose sleep over.
Also Read:
- Viral Pneumonia: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Investigations, Treatment
- Bacterial Pneumonia: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Investigations, Treatment
- Klebsiella Pneumoniae: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, When To See A Doctor, Diagnosis
- Loss of Appetite After Pneumonia: Causes, Home Remedies, Recovery Period, Effects
- What is Zoonotic Atypical Pneumonia, Know its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Types. Prognosis, Epidemiology
- Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Recovery
