A REPORTED rise in respiratory infections has been issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly Mycoplasma pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This update comes as part of the CDC’s weekly respiratory virus surveillance, highlighting an increase in these infections despite overall low levels of respiratory diseases nationwide.
Mycoplasma pneumonia cases, which cause pneumonia and acute bronchitis, have seen a significant rise since late spring, peaking in August. A shift in age group for those most affected triggered investigation by the CDC. Children aged 2–4 have been affected by an increase in infections, despite not historically being a primary target for this type of pneumonia. Typically, school-aged children and adolescents have been the most affected.
RSV activity remains relatively low, but the CDC reported increased activity in the southeastern states, especially among young children.
As COVID-19 cases decline and flu levels remain stable, the surge in Mycoplasma pneumonia and RSV highlights the need for vigilance among parents and healthcare providers as respiratory illness patterns shift post-pandemic.
Reference: CIDRAP. CDC reports rising levels of Mycoplasma pneumonia and RSV in young kids. October 2024. Available at: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/pneumonia/cdc-reports-rising-levels-mycoplasma-pneumonia-and-rsv-young-kids. Last accessed: October 22, 2024.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
