There is an increase in cases of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma bacteria in children’s hospitals.
Author: Livia Middendorp
08.08.2024, 09:57
Pneumonia in children and young people is currently on the rise. The reason for this is bacteria called mycoplasma. The increase is currently noticeable in various children’s hospitals because some of the children have to be hospitalized. However, the bacteria do not seem to be equally widespread in all regions.
New record values reached
The numbers at the Children’s Hospital in Zurich are currently at a record high. Infections have been rising sharply since May. In July, the hospital registered almost 40 cases, half of whom had to be treated in hospital.
The number of mycoplasma infections in July was almost four times higher than at peak times before the pandemic. However, infectious disease specialist Patrick Meyer Sauteur gives the all-clear: “Basically, this mycoplasma pneumonia is not dangerous. The infections are not severe in the sense that the reason for hospitalization is the need for additional oxygen.” However, the sick people do not usually have to be treated in intensive care.
Caption: Pneumonia caused by mycoplasma is usually not dangerous for children. Keystone/Salvatore die Nolfi
Nevertheless, the sharp increase in Zurich is striking. It is partly due to the after-effects of the Corona period. Many infectious diseases had almost disappeared during the pandemic and then came back stronger, and the immune system is currently somewhat less prepared for mycoplasma, explains Patrick Meyer Sauteur. “It took much longer for the mycoplasma to appear. When it reappeared, there was a clear peak. This can be attributed to the lack of immunity after Corona.”
Last summer, mycoplasma infections were registered for the first time. But it is difficult to say why the increase is so strong now, says Meyer Sauteur.
More cases also in Basel and Bern
The University Children’s Hospital of Basel is also currently seeing a sharp increase in cases of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma. The hospital is currently treating around three children per week, whereas it is normally one child per month.
In the children’s clinic at the Inselspital Bern, however, the numbers had already risen a year ago – and have remained consistently high since then, says chief physician Christoph Aebi: “We normally also see seasonal fluctuations with more infections in the autumn and fewer in the warm months. This year we are seeing high activity at our location, up to and including July.”
Despite the higher number of cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, parents do not need to take any special precautions, say the experts. However, if symptoms are severe, children and young people should stay at home.
