The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has detected seven samples of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, bacterium linked with the cause of ‘Walking Pneumonia’.
Since, October this year, cases of ‘Walking Pneumonia’ have been reported in several part of the world including China.
Reportedly, the seven cases have been detected between April and September this year. The cases have been reported in a study published in the Lancet Microbe journal. According to the study, one case was reported through PCR test carried out at the early stages of the infection and the other 6 cases were reported through IgM Elisa test.
On Thursday, the Health Ministry issued a statement claiming that these “seven cases have no link whatsoever to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children reported from some parts of the world, including China.”
“The seven cases have been detected as a part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi in the six month period (April to September 2023) and is no cause for worry. Since January 2023 till date, NO Mycoplasma pneumonia was detected in the 611 samples tested at the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Delhi as a part ICMR’s multiple respiratory pathogen surveillance, which included mainly severe acute respiratory illness (SARI, which comprised about 95% of these cases) by real-time PCR. Mycoplasma pneumonia is the commonest bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia. It is the reason for nearly 15-30% of all such infections. Such surge has not been reported from any part of India,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Union Health Ministry is in touch with state health authorities and is keeping a close watch on the situation on an everyday basis, it added.
It is noteworthy that AIIMS Delhi part of a global consortium to monitor the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Reportedly, the surveillance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is being done only at AIIMS Delhi and few other centres.
According to the study, the global prospective surveillance data show the re-emergence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Europe and Asia more than 3 years after the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The paper notes that in countries where Mycoplasma pneumoniae has re-emerged, case numbers are comparable to pre-pandemic (endemic) numbers.
“The further development of the re-emergence should be monitored to evaluate whether case numbers will escalate to epidemic levels or result in an exceptionally large wave of infections as was observed for the resurgence of other pathogens,” it added.
The researchers also maintain that the progression and severity of the re-emergence are difficult to predict “and whether it will lead to an increase in rare cases of severe disease2 and extrapulmonary manifestations because of the previously reduced exposure remains unknown.”
What is ‘Walking Pneumonia’?
‘Walking Pneumonia’ is a mild bacterial infection that resembles a cold. According to Cleveland Clinic, Pneumonia leads to swollen airways and the air sacs in the lungs gets filled with mucus and other fluids. The infected person also experiences a high fever and a cough with mucus.
However, in the case of ‘Walking Pneumonia’, the infected person is well enough to walk around and carry out daily tasks without realising they have pneumonia. “Walking pneumonia” is the common term for atypical pneumonia.
This infection is milder and it usually doesn’t require bed rest or hospitalisation.
Who is at risk of developing ‘Walking Pneumonia’?
You’re more likely to get walking pneumonia if you:
- Are 2 or younger.
- Are 65 or older.
- Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) or take immunosuppressant medications.
- Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Have asthma.
- Have emphysema.
- Live or work in crowded places, such as schools, dormitories, nursing homes or military barracks.
- Use tobacco products.
- Regularly use inhaled corticosteroids.
What are symptoms of ‘Walking Pneumonia’?
Walking pneumonia symptoms include:
- Sore throat (pharyngitis).
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius).
- Mild chills.
- Cough.
- Sneezing.
- Headache.
What causes ‘Walking Pneumonia’?
‘Walking pneumonia’ causes may include:
- Bacteria.
- Viruses.
- Molds (fungi).
How to prevent ‘Walking Pneumonia’?
Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explains that ‘Walking Pneumonia’ is common. The number of cases fluctuates, usually spiking every three to seven years and is contagious as well.
According Dr. Grover, the following tips can help you prevent walking pneumonia:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow or your sleeve. Place used tissues into a waste basket. Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Wear a mask around sick people if you have a respiratory condition (e.g., asthma, bronchitis or emphysema) or other chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes or heart, liver or kidney diseases). These conditions can make walking pneumonia riskier for you.
- Get an annual flu shot.
- Don’t smoke, and don’t allow others to smoke around you. Smoke can make your symptoms worse
Its treatment includes antibiotics and over-the-counter medicines, he added.