Ontario Doctor Reports Surge in Pneumonia Cases
Ontario Doctors Note Surge in Walking Pneumonia Cases, Especially Among Youth
Ontario physicians are observing a notable increase in cases of walking pneumonia, particularly among children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Alan Drummond, an emergency room physician and family doctor in rural eastern Ontario, has seen a “dramatic increase in the number of pneumonias” in recent weeks.
“Every shift now, I see at least a half-dozen pneumonias, especially in young children, adolescents, and young adults,” Drummond said. “Most have been treated with a simple antibiotic, but some cases have required hospitalization, though they are a minority.”
Drummond suspects many of these infections are caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that often necessitates antibiotics beyond standard treatments like amoxicillin. “This has been totally wild, but thankfully, most patients do well,” he added.
Interestingly, Drummond noted that while pneumonia cases are surging in the emergency room, his office practice—focused mainly on senior patients—has not experienced a similar rise.
Dr. Kristina Ramgobin, a family physician in Ajax, has also observed an uptick in walking pneumonia cases this month.
“With a persistent cough, that’s the first thing we start to rule out,” Ramgobin said. “I feel I’ve ordered more chest X-rays than ever before.”
She emphasized the importance of monitoring symptoms and seeking medical attention when necessary. “Walking pneumonia is treatable, but if you’ve had a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, it’s no longer normal to just ‘ride it out.’ That’s a reason to get checked out.”
The increase in walking pneumonia cases isn’t isolated to Ontario. A Canadian Press report highlights similar trends in Quebec, British Columbia, and the U.S.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in M. pneumoniae-related respiratory infections, particularly among young children. According to the CDC, the bacterium has begun to re-emerge globally after a period of low incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Are Pneumonia Cases on the Rise?
Dr. Alan Drummond suggests the increase in pneumonia cases may be tied to waning adherence to basic preventive measures learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Simple practices like washing hands, coughing into the elbow, and wearing masks were highly effective in reducing the spread of diseases,” Drummond said. “Perhaps it’s time to reconsider incorporating these measures into our daily routines, given the current climate.”
