Cases of respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae—commonly leading to “walking pneumonia”—have been rising in recent months, according to the CDC. This condition is generally milder than pneumonia, with many individuals continuing daily activities before recognizing symptoms.

Walking pneumonia often begins with mild symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, headache, or fever, which worsen over the first week. The CDC noted in October that infections have been increasing since late spring, particularly among young children. Current national case numbers are the highest reported since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

While detailed National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) data isn’t publicly available, the CDC confirmed that certain Health and Human Services (HHS) regions are experiencing higher case rates than others.

For more information, visit CDC’s website.