Mumbai doctors are raising concerns about a surge in walking pneumonia cases among children as seasonal flu spikes in the city. Walking pneumonia also called mild pneumonia, often mimics a persistent cold and cough, allowing children to continue with their daily routines. However, it can sometimes escalate into severe pneumonia, requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Vasant Nagvekar, an infectious diseases specialist noted an increase in cases among children. “Walking pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a community acquired bacterial infection,” he explained.
Unlike typical pneumonia, it cannot be treated with regular antibiotics and requires stronger medications.
How It Affects Children
Children with walking pneumonia may experience mild symptoms like a lingering cough and fatigue making it easy to overlook. However, advanced diagnostic tools such as rapid tests, are helping detect the condition early. Though these tests are expensive costing ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, they can provide quick results ensuring timely treatment.
“Some X-ray findings in children initially resemble tuberculosis but further tests confirm the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae instead,” Dr. Nagvekar said.
Seasonal Flu Worsening the Situation in Mumbai
Walking pneumonia cases among children are rising alongside a spike in influenza A infections in Mumbai. Data from the state health department shows that nearly 45% of Maharashtra’s flu cases this year are from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. While no child fatalities have been reported, experts emphasize the importance of prevention.
Preventive Measures for Parents
Doctors recommend simple steps to safeguard children against walking pneumonia and flu:
- Encourage frequent handwashing to maintain hygiene.
- Ensure children stay hydrated and get adequate rest.
- Consider flu vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe infections.
Despite the availability of over 45,000 free flu vaccines for vulnerable groups including children, the uptake has been low with only 2,608 doses administered across the state this year.
