Kids and 'White Lung': The Sneaky Pneumonia Spread

You might have heard about a sudden increase in a type of pneumonia among kids in the US. This isn't your typical pneumonia; it's called walking pneumonia or 'white lung' pneumonia. It's caused by a bacteria named Mycoplasma pneumonia. Kids between two and four years old, who were born during the COVID pandemic, are getting hit the hardest. In August, more than 10% of emergency room visits for pneumonia in this age group were due to this bacteria. So, what makes this infection different? It can start suddenly or take its time, making it tricky to spot. If cold symptoms last more than a week, it could be walking pneumonia. The symptoms are similar to a common cold but can include a fever below 101°F, a persistent cough that can last for weeks or even months, fatigue, headache, chills, sore throat, labored breathing, ear pain, chest pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, rash, and joint pain. Where the infection is in the lungs can affect the symptoms. For instance, an infection in the upper or middle part of the lungs might cause breathing problems, while one in the lower part could lead to an upset stomach.

Alma Geddes, a three-year-old, is one of the kids seen with this pneumonia at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. The name 'walking pneumonia' comes from the fact that kids with it don't usually feel sick enough to stay home. But even if they feel fine, they should stay home until symptoms improve. Antibiotics are the go-to treatment for this condition, usually taken for 5 to 10 days. After starting antibiotics, the child is less likely to spread the illness to others. To be safe, they shouldn't share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or toothbrushes. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia typically clears up within 1 to 2 weeks, but a persistent cough can linger for up to 4 to 6 weeks.

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