THUNDER BAY, ON – Ontario doctors are reporting a significant rise in cases of walking pneumonia, with children, adolescents, and young adults being particularly affected.
Dr. Alan Drummond, an ER physician and family doctor in eastern Ontario, describes a “dramatic increase” in pneumonia cases in recent weeks. “Every shift now, I see at least a half-dozen pneumonias, especially in young children, adolescents, and young adults,” he says.
While most cases respond to antibiotics, some have required hospitalization. Dr. Drummond suspects many infections are caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria that often needs stronger antibiotics than typical treatments like amoxicillin.
Interestingly, this surge is mainly seen in emergency rooms, not in family practices focused on older patients.
Dr. Kristina Ramgobin, a family physician in Ajax, has also noticed an uptick in cases. “With a persistent cough, that’s the first thing we start to rule out,” she says. “I feel I’ve ordered more chest X-rays than ever before.”
What is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia. It often doesn’t require bed rest or hospitalization, hence the name. However, it can still cause uncomfortable symptoms like cough, fever, and fatigue.
Why the Increase?
Dr. Drummond suggests that the rise in cases may be linked to people abandoning the preventive measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Simple practices like washing hands, coughing into the elbow, and wearing masks were highly effective in reducing the spread of diseases,” he says. “Perhaps it’s time to reconsider incorporating these measures into our daily routines.”
What to Do
If you or your child experience a persistent cough, fever, or shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical attention. Walking pneumonia is treatable, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to a quick recovery.
This trend isn’t unique to Ontario. Similar increases in walking pneumonia have been reported in Quebec, British Columbia, and the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also noted a rise in M. pneumoniae infections, particularly among young children.
