What's Happening Now

HIGHLIGHTS: Increase in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae reported among Indiana children

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has received reports of increases in pediatric pneumonia cases, including those caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This uptick has been also observed across various regions in the United States, particularly affecting young children.

• M. pneumoniae usually peaks every 3 to 7 years, with variation of strain types contributing to this pattern.
• M. pneumoniae infections began increasing in Indiana in late spring/early summer 2024, including emergency department visits across all pediatric ages.

Overview

Respiratory viruses cause illnesses in the respiratory system. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.

Respiratory Illnesses

• Adenovirus
• Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
• COVID-19
• Influenza (Flu)
• Histoplasmosis
• Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
• Legionellosis
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
• Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
• Parainfluenza
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)