Cases are up 358% for walking pneumonia at MedStar Health urgent care. For ages 10-17, we see a 2167% increase in the DC metro area. pic.twitter.com/GgdgNZ6UEl
— Sue inkblue01@bksy.social (@inkblue01) November 17, 2024
Pneumonia cases in the DC Metro Area have skyrocketed by 358%, with over 1,700 reported in October 2024 compared to 391 the year before. Among children aged 10-17, the surge is even more staggering—a 2167% increase. Walking pneumonia, a contagious but often milder form, is at the center of this alarming trend.
Dropping temperatures and indoor gatherings during the holiday season are driving infection rates. Coupled with weakened immune systems recovering from pandemic isolation and relaxed preventive measures, the region is witnessing an unprecedented rise.
There’s concern about a new strain of Mycoplasma pneumoniae that might be particularly aggressive, especially in school-aged children. MedStar Health Urgent Care, operating 33 centers in the region, highlights these trends as severe.
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia are experiencing the brunt of the outbreak. Early diagnosis is critical, particularly for children and vulnerable groups, to prevent life-threatening complications. Stay vigilant and seek prompt medical care for persistent symptoms.
Sources:
Yahoo News: www.yahoo.com/news/md-nova-seeing-dramatic-spike-171415905.html
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