Public Health Officials Report Rise in Pneumonia, Whooping Cough Cases
Respiratory illnesses see first major spike since pre-COVID era
Mecklenburg County Public Health warned local residents of a rise in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in a public health alert on Wednesday.
While detailed data and comparisons are not available because pneumonia is not a nationally or locally notifiable condition and reporting is limited, Mecklenburg County Public Health has increased pneumonia surveillance and monitoring of potential outbreaks. The department is reportedly monitoring 12 potential outbreaks of suspected pneumonia in school-based settings in Mecklenburg County.
The number of pneumonia infections has remained high in the United States since late spring after five years of low level reports.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infections are typically mild, often presenting as a chest cold, but can sometimes progress into a less severe case of pneumonia known as “walking pneumonia.”
In some cases, that can progress into a more serious case of pneumonia with symptoms including fever, cough and sore throat. Younger children may experience different symptoms including diarrhea, wheezing and vomiting.
“Respiratory illness season is here, and we are advising residents to stay vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones and neighbors,” Mecklenburg County Public Health Medical Director Dr. Bonnie Coyle stated in the alert.
“With more people, especially children, seeking health care due to these respiratory illnesses, all residents should stay up to date with vaccines, stay home and keep your kids home if they are not well, seek medical care when appropriate, and practice good hygiene.”
The rise of pneumonia infections locally coincides with an increase in whooping cough cases in North Carolina. In early December, NC Health News’ Jennifer Fernandez reported close to 600 cases of the infection also known as pertussis recorded in 2024 — 6.4 times more than the same time last year.
A look at Mecklenburg County Public Health’s monthly communicable disease stats over the last five years show a sharp rise locally, as well. The most recent stats available for 2024 show that, through October, there had been 49 cases of whooping cough reported in Mecklenburg County. Cases reported to that point in previous years never exceeded six back to 2020.
In 2019, there were 30 whooping cough cases reported through October.
COVID-19 played a part in lowering the number of whooping cough and respiratory illness cases in recent years, with many folks isolating and children staying home from school. Post-pandemic socialization can account for a majority of the spike, but experts warn that the rise in vaccine hesitancy over the past few years could lead to a more severe season.
“It is honestly a problem we deal with every day,” Suresh Nagappan, medical director of the Children’s Unit at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, told NC Health News about the dangers posed by vaccine hesitancy. “I think a lot of it is people have lost trust in authority.”
In this week’s public health alert, the Mecklenburg County Public Information Department listed some tactics residents can take to prevent pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses:
- Stay up to date with immunizations: Schedule an appointment to receive your flu and COVID vaccinations. At-risk individuals should discuss the need for RSV vaccine with their primary care provider.
- Practice good hygiene: Cover your cough and sneeze, wash and sanitize your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Take steps for cleaner air: Bring in fresh outside air, purify indoor air, or gather outdoors.
- Use precautions to prevent spread: Remain at home and/or keep your child at home when you or they are sick. Stay home for 24 hours after fever and until symptoms improve.
- Seek healthcare: Call your provider promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have the below symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for severe illness.
Vaccination appointments may be made through Mecklenburg County Public Health by calling 704-336-6500 or at the website.
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