Public Health Alert: Pneumonia Cases Increasing in Mecklenburg County

After low levels of detected infections since 2019, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have increased in the United States since late spring and have remained high. As a result, Mecklenburg County Public Health and public health agencies nationwide have increased pneumonia surveillance, and continue to monitor potential outbreaks and share respiratory infection prevention messages.

Public Health is monitoring 12 potential outbreaks of suspected pneumonia involving school-based settings.  

“Respiratory illness season is here, and we are advising residents to stay vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors,” said Dr. Bonnie Coyle, Mecklenburg County Public Health medical director. “With more people, especially children, seeking healthcare due to these respiratory illnesses, all residents should stay up to date with vaccines, stay home and keep your kids home if they are not well, seek medical care when appropriate, and practice good hygiene.”  

Prevention:

• Stay up to date with immunizations: Schedule an appointment to receive your flu and COVID vaccinations. At-risk individuals should discuss the need for RSV vaccine with their primary care provider.
• Practice good hygiene: Cover your cough and sneeze, wash and sanitize your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air: Bring in fresh outside air, purify indoor air, or gather outdoors.
• Use precautions to prevent spread: Remain at home and/or keep your child at home when you or they are sick. Stay home for 24 hours after fever and until symptoms improve.
• Seek healthcare: Call your provider promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have the below symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for severe illness.  

Pneumonia is not a nationally or locally notifiable condition, so detailed data and comparisons are not available, and reporting is limited. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a bacterium that can cause respiratory tract infections. M. pneumoniae infections are generally mild and mostly present as a chest cold but may also present as pneumonia. Symptom onset is typically gradual and can include fever, cough, and a sore throat. Younger children may have different symptoms (e.g.,such as diarrhea, wheezing, or vomiting). When an M. pneumoniae infection progresses to pneumonia, it is's typically a less severe form of bacterial pneumonia commonly referred to as "walking pneumonia." M. pneumoniae infections can occur at any age, but they most often occur among children ages 5-17 years and young adults.

Vaccination appointments may be made by calling 704-336-6500. For more information, please contact Mecklenburg County Public Health Communicable Disease at 980-314-9201.