'Cough cough'—it wasn't just a cold or COVID... A surge in patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia

Everyone in my family is coughing, too.

Mycoplasma has been popular for a few years now.

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Mycoplasma pneumonia has been significantly prevalent this year. There are concerns that delayed treatment could lead to severe pneumonia, so caution is necessary.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 19th, the number of patients hospitalized with Mycoplasma pneumoniae in 2024 is 20,069, an increase of approximately 350% compared to last year. Compared to the 1,591 hospitalized patients in 2022, it has increased by a remarkable 12.6 times.

Especially as the weather has recently become colder, the number of patients is increasing rapidly. In the 13th week of 2024 (March 25 to March 31), the number of patients hospitalized for Mycoplasma pneumonia in the spring was 96, the lowest figure of the year. In contrast, in the recent 41st week (October 7 to October 13), the number of hospitalized patients increased to 1,001, more than ten times higher. When infected with Mycoplasma, symptoms such as cough, wheezing (rales), fever, and sore throat appear. Initially, these symptoms are similar to a cold, but the cough and fever tend to worsen. Mycoplasma bacteria are a major cause of pneumonia, and about 10-15% can develop into severe pneumonia, making early treatment important.

Especially for children who are infected with Mycoplasma, there is a high risk of concurrent infection with other viruses, so parents need to maintain strict hygiene, reduce contact with infected individuals, and take preventive measures and early treatment.

Seoul Economy Reprint