Increased Vigilance: Pediatric Pneumonia

Increased Vigilance: Pediatric Pneumonia
10.24.2024

As there has been increased incidences of diagnosed pneumonia in pediatric populations in Michigan, please have a heightened suspicion for this diagnosis when evaluating a pediatric patient with a respiratory illness as pneumonia can result from infections with several common viruses and bacteria circulating in the fall/winter. 

  • There has been a notable 4-fold increase in patients 5-19 years of age presenting with pneumonia Aug. 1 – Oct. 16, 2024 compared to the same time period in 2023.
  • Michigan is also seeing an increase in ED and UCC visits with a diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
  • Viral respiratory infections and viral pneumonia remain far more common than bacterial pneumonia in children.

Treatment Guidance

  • If Mycoplasma pneumoniae is suspected, the following classes of antibiotics are recommended: azithromycin for children and adults, doxycyline for older children and adults, and fluoroquinolones for severe infections in adults.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae lacks a cell wall and, therefore, are inherently resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin).
  • For additional clinical care guidance, visit the CDC's website.

Report unusual increases in pneumonia diagnoses to your local health department.

Encourage parents/guardians to keep children up to date on vaccinations against preventable illnesses. Please talk to every patient, every visit, every time about immunizations. Help us keep one another healthy.