By: Grace E. Lee, MD, MSCE, FAAP
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. Most times, it causes illness like a mild chest cold. It can also cause a type of lung infection known as "walking pneumonia."
Walking pneumonia gets its name because people usually feel well enough to get out of bed and do some of their activities. Other types of
pneumonia usually cause more severe symptoms.
Here's what to know about
M. pneumoniae infections and signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia.
M. pneumoniae infections are increasing
Cases of respiratory infections from
M. pneumoniae have been increasing since spring 2024 and have remained high. Health experts have noticed more infections in preschool-aged children. Usually, it is more common in school-age children and adolescents.
People spread it to others by coughing or sneezing. Outbreaks occur when groups of people are in close contact for long periods of time. For example, it can spread easily in crowded spaces like schools, camps, college dorms and households.
M. pneumoniae symptoms tend to show up gradually and can include:
Some people also get a rash or muscle and joint aches. Young children may have vomiting, as well.
A child with walking pneumonia may have other symptoms, too. Contact your pediatrician if your child has:
Fever that does not get better after 5 days
Cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks or gets worse
Fast breathing or
breathing trouble
Pain in their chest when they breathe
Rarely,
M. pneumoniae can lead to an
asthma flare, severe
pneumonia, or may involve the
heart or
nervous system (brain or spinal cord).
How is
M. pneumoniae diagnosed & treated?
The pediatrician usually diagnoses the infection after looking at symptoms and examining your child. Sometimes, a chest X-ray is needed. Here is what else to expect and next steps to help your child get better.
Testing: The doctor can check for the bacteria by taking a throat and/or nasal swab and sending it to a laboratory.
Antibiotics: They may prescribe an
antibiotic such as azithromycin. Sometimes, a different type of
antibiotic is needed. Your child should finish all doses of the antibiotic, even if they start to feel better.
Home care: If needed, you can give your child
fever-reducing medicine like
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen. Make sure they get
plenty of fluids and rest.
Contact the pediatrician if your child's symptoms are not getting better within several days of starting the
antibiotic, or if their symptoms get worse.
Remember
There is no vaccine to prevent
M. pneumoniae. People can get infected more than once but repeat infections are usually milder. To avoid getting or spreading respiratory germs, remind your child to
wash their hands often and cover their coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a tissue.
More information
About Dr. Lee
 Grace E. Lee, MD, MSCE, FAAP, is a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Infectious Diseases Education Subcommittee.
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