Recent reports of an increase in pediatric pneumonia cases, referred to as 'white lung syndrome,' have been noted in Warren County, Ohio, with 142 children affected. However, health experts have clarified that 'white lung syndrome' is not a new illness spreading in the U.S., but a term used to describe pneumonia, which can be caused by various viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The term is not a precise medical term and its use is discouraged by experts.
The upswing in pneumonia cases may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns and isolation periods have reduced children's ability to build immunity. The main types of pathogens detected in Ohio are streptococcus pneumonia, adenovirus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as 'walking pneumonia,' a bacteria that causes mild infections.
Health authorities have stated that the increase in respiratory infections is likely due to seasonal factors and not a new pathogen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pneumonia rates in the U.S. are in line with pre-pandemic levels. The CDC has not found any evidence of a link between infections in China and the U.S.
To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, health experts recommend vaccinations, hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places. Health officials recommend getting updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as an RSV vaccine for eligible individuals.
Similar spikes in pneumonia cases have also been reported in the Netherlands and Denmark, raising global concerns. Chinese officials have also linked a similar outbreak in northern China to M. pneumoniae and other seasonal infections.