In the wake of ‘walking pneumonia’ affecting children, vigilance is paramount.
New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has detected seven cases of walking pneumonia or Mycoplasma pneumonia from April 1 till September 30 this year. This is sending fear waves down the spine of millions living in the national capital, citing the current childhood pneumonia outbreak in China, and now in parts of the US and Netherlands. Although the cases of pneumonia in India have no link to the respiratory infections in China, it warrants caution.
The seven cases of walking pneumonia were detected as part of the ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi in six months and are no cause of concern. Since January 2023 till date, no cases of pneumonia were detected in the 611 samples tested at AIIMs’s Department of Microbiology. 95 per cent of these cases included severe acute respiratory diseases. A health ministry statement also stated that mycoplasma pneumonia is the commonest bacterial cause of the infection – mainly 15-30 per cent of the cases.
What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a less serious form of the common lung infection. It is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and other viruses and bacteria as well. Most of the children infected with the infection do not feel sick enough to stay at home, which is why it is called walking pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Pankaj Verma, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, spoke about the infection, listed its symptoms and also shared treatment options.
Walking pneumonia is commonly caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but it can also be caused by viruses or other microorganisms. The symptoms are generally milder than those of traditional pneumonia and may include:
- Persistent cough: Usually dry or with minimal phlegm.
- Mild fever: The body temperature may be elevated, but not as high as in typical pneumonia.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.
- Sore throat: Irritation or pain in the throat.
- Headache: Mild to moderate headaches may occur.
For treatment, Dr Verma said that the infection is easily manageable if treated early. It is advised to consult a doctor in case the listed symptoms appear.
Dr Aoyon Sengupta, NHSRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, shared a word of caution for parents and children. The expert also shared inputs on how one can protect oneself from the the infection.
“In the wake of ‘walking pneumonia’ affecting children, vigilance is paramount. Parents and caregivers must stay alert to symptoms like persistent cough, mild fever, and fatigue. Timely medical attention is crucial, as this subtle yet contagious ailment spreads. Encourage hand hygiene, ensure adequate rest, and maintain a balanced diet for your children. Swift identification of symptoms can lead to effective intervention, preventing the spread within communities. Proactive measures, such as wearing masks in crowded places, can further mitigate risks. As a united front, let’s prioritize our children’s health, encouraging a resilient defense against this concerning health challenge,” Dr Sengupta explained.
