Indiana Sees Surge in Walking Pneumonia Cases, Schools Raise Concern

INDIANAPOLIS — Central Indiana is experiencing a significant rise in cases of walking pneumonia, according to local health experts.

“What we’ve seen this summer, starting in July and August, was an explosion in the number of cases,” said Dr. John Christenson, associate medical director of infection prevention at Riley Hospital for Children. “Some require admissions to intensive care units. Children die, adults die... sometimes it invades the brain and can cause an infection there.”

While walking pneumonia is typically less severe than traditional pneumonia, it can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed early. The condition is caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can harm the lining of the respiratory tract.

This illness spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“Symptoms can begin mildly with sore throat, cough, or chest pain,” Christenson noted.

Each year, approximately two million people are diagnosed with walking pneumonia. However, this year's situation appears particularly alarming.

The CDC reports a surge in cases among children born during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Diagnoses in kids aged two to four years old increased from 1% to 7.2% within just six months this year.

“We saw a rebound after Covid,” Christenson explained. “During lockdowns, people were wearing masks and staying home; they weren't exposed to common infections.”

“As a result, many became susceptible once normal activities resumed. When a new or previously encountered germ enters the environment now, it spreads rapidly,” he added.

Schools have reported rising numbers of affected students and are urging parents to monitor their children for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

With holiday gatherings approaching, Christenson emphasizes vigilance regarding severe cases: “That’s when you need to take them to their healthcare professional for evaluation and possibly X-rays.”

He also stresses the importance of ensuring that families are up-to-date on all vaccinations.