Debosmita Ghosh • 28 Nov 2024
Surge In Mycoplasma Pneumonia Cases In Japan; Here’s What You Need To Know About The Respiratory Tract Infection
Surge In Mycoplasma Pneumonia Cases In Japan
According to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the country is witnessing a surge in mycoplasma pneumonia cases. There is an average of 2.84 patients per medical institution nationwide for the week ending November 17. This marks a significant rise from previous weeks and the highest figure since the current tracking system was introduced.
Xinhua news agency reported that Fukui Prefecture had the highest regional average at 8.83 cases per medical institution, followed by Aomori (5.0), Kyoto (4.71), and Hokkaido (4.59). Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka also recorded elevated rates of 4.32 and 3.17, respectively.
Public health authorities are urging citizens to adopt preventive measures, such as wearing masks, practising hand hygiene and consulting doctors if symptoms persist.
What Is Mycoplasma Pneumonia Infection?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria commonly cause mild infections of the respiratory system (the parts of the body involved in breathing). Sometimes these bacteria can cause more serious lung infections that require care in a hospital. The Centers Of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that good hygiene is important to help decrease the spread of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory germs.
Signs and Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia Infection
Children younger than 5 years old who get M. pneumoniae infection could have symptoms that are different from older children and adults. Instead, they may have the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea.
People who are at an increased risk of being infected
The infection is mostly seen in young adults and school-aged children, however, it can affect anyone. Also, people who live and work in crowded places have an increased risk. These crowded places are:
- Schools
- College residence halls
- Military training facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals
Others who are at an increased risk for serious infections are:
- Ones who are recovering from a respiratory illness
- Ones with a preexisting lung condition
- Ones with a weakened immune system.
Causes of Chinese Pneumonia and How It Spreads
Mycoplasma pneumoniae are bacteria that can cause illness by damaging the lining of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, windpipe). People can have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. CDC says that when someone infected with M. pneumoniae coughs or sneezes, they create small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets.
“Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone who is sick with M. pneumoniae do not get infected. However, the bacteria often spread between people who live together since they spend a lot of time together.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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