Mycoplasma Likely Main Culprit Of Outbreak Of Pediatric Cases Of Pneumonia Worldwide

Mycoplasma pneumonia is in the news after the emergence of a series of outbreaks and hospitalizations were reported earlier this week in China, mainly impacting children. Typically, mycoplasma pneumonia doesn't require hospitalization. Among other countries, China, South Korea and France are having serious epidemics, and the suspected main culprit is mycoplasma pneumonia. In South Korea, confirmed cases of mycoplasma pneumonia more than doubled from mid October to mid November. According to a summary released by the Korean Agency for Disease Control and Prevention, 226 of the 236 hospitalized patients with acute bacterial respiratory infections during the second week of November had mycoplasma pneumonia. Cases of mycoplasma can occur at any time of the year, but tend to be more prevalent in winter. Measures such as masking, ventilating, washing hands, avoiding close contact with others and staying home when sick are recommended to prevent the spread of mycoplasma, but also the viruses that can lead to mycoplasma.