Why is it in the News?

What is Mycoplasma Pneumonia?

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause illness by damaging the lining of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, windpipe).
• It acts more like a virus and spreads faster from person to person.
• It is a common cause of pneumonia in children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Vulnerable groups, who already have respiratory issues, are prone to developing this infection in a severe form.
• Most people with respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae don’t develop pneumonia.
• For this reason, MP is known as an atypical pneumonia and is sometimes called walking pneumonia.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can include:
• Fever, Cough, Headache, Sore throat, Fatigue, Muscle aches, and Shortness of breath
• In most cases, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks.
• However, some people may develop more serious complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
• It spreads through close contact with an infected person, such as through coughing or sneezing.
• It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
• There is no vaccine to prevent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection however there are multiple antibiotics that effectively cure this infection.