This deceiving respiratory illness is on the rise in N.J., health officials warn

Health officials are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated pneumonia, a common but potentially serious respiratory infection, amid a rise in cases across New Jersey and the United States.

Since late spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has observed an increase in the percentage of pneumonia-associated emergency department visits with a discharge diagnosis of M. pneumoniae. The increase is greatest among children, growing from 1.0% to 7.2% among ages 2–4 years and from 3.6% to 7.4% among ages 5–17 years, according to discharge data from March 31 through Oct. 5.

“The increase in children ages 2–4 years is notable because M. pneumoniae historically hasn’t been recognized as a leading cause of pneumonia in this age group,” the CDC wrote in an Oct. 18 report.

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New Jersey is experiencing a similar increase in cases of M. pneumoniae, according to an advisory released last week by the New Jersey Department of Health.

M. pneumoniae infections are common, with an estimated two million infections occurring each year in the United States, according to the CDC.

However, since there’s no national reporting or dedicated surveillance system to track these infections, the exact number of cases is unknown.

The state Department of Health did not respond immediately Tuesday to questions about the number of cases in New Jersey.

M. pneumoniae infections are often mild and mostly present as a chest cold but could also present as pneumonia, according to the CDC. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. Younger children may have different symptoms, such as diarrhea, wheezing, or vomiting.

Because the symptoms are usually mild, people with M. pneumoniae infections can seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection. They might not stay home and can pose a risk to others when going out. For this reason, medical professional have dubbed M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia as “walking pneumonia,” according to the CDC.

The illness is spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent further spread, residents should practice good hygiene and cover coughs and sneezes.

Since most infections are observed among school-aged children and adolescents, the New Jersey Department of Health is asking schools to notify their local health department about any spikes in cases, as it could signify an outbreak is occurring.

The Communicable Disease Service can be reached at 609-826-5964 during business hours and via email CDS.COV.SIC@doh.nj.gov.