In late 2023, an outbreak of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred in Ohio in the United States, primarily affecting children.[1] Despite it occurring at around the same time, experts say that it is unrelated to the 2023 Chinese pneumonia outbreak.[2] The average age of children affected is eight years old, with some cases being as young as three.[1] As of December 1, 2023, investigation as to the cause is still ongoing.[3]
Timeline edit
November 2023 edit
On November 30, Warren County, Ohio reported an unusually high number of pediatric pneumonia cases,[4] reporting 142 cases since August.[5]
December 2023 edit
On December 1, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Tom Frieden said that the outbreak could be the result of an "immunity gap" caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, leaving people more susceptible to infections by Influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19.[3]
References edit
- ^ a b "What is 'White Lung Syndrome,' the Ohio child pneumonia outbreak?". NewsNation. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ "Ohio "white lung" pneumonia cases not linked to China outbreak or novel pathogen, experts say - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ a b Palmer, Tom (2023-12-01). "'White lung syndrome': Here is what we know about the Ohio outbreak". The Hill. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ "What is mycoplasma pneumonia, the illness driving an outbreak in Ohio?". NBC News. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ "Ohio first state to report 'white lung syndrome' outbreak". WTRF. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2023-12-02.