As we acclimate to the supposed “new normal,” respiratory ailments once overshadowed by COVID-19 are clawing back, according to health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local reports from San Diego County. In a concerning resurgence,San Diego officials have confirmeda noticeable increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections and whooping cough.
The rise in M. pneumoniae, a bacterial respiratory pathogen causing pneumonia, has been significant, especially among children ages 2-4, the CDC reports. This trend departs from historical data that did not commonly associate the bacterium with this age group. With an estimated 2 million infections annually in the U.S., the current spike is concerning, showing emergency department visits rise from 1.0% to 7.2% in the young cohort. Meanwhile, the CDC notes resistance to the common treatment, macrolides, is still under 10%, urging a switch to second-line antibiotics when necessary.
Parallel to this,Hoodline reportsthat San Diego County has escalated to 547 cases of whooping cough this year, marking a steady march toward pre-pandemic levels. This increase from 332 cases in 2023 spans age groups, with a higher concentration in the 11 to 17-year-old demographic.
“Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, pertussis activity continues to increase, and we are seeing an upswing in cases that on track to returning to pre-pandemic numbers,” Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Interim County public health officer, toldCounty News Center via Hoodline. Pertussis, or whooping cough, usually presents with mild symptoms like cough and runny nose, escalating to severe coughing fits and possible whooping sounds. While no deaths have been linked to the condition in the county since 2016, the resurgence poses risks, particularly to infants and young children.
In response, local health officials are doubling down on vaccination advocacy. The current public health strategy aligns with the CDC’s vaccination schedule, emphasizing the importance of the DTaP doses for young children, boosters for middle schoolers, and the Tdap booster during pregnancy. For adults missing a previous Tdap dose, vaccination is strongly advised. Additional information and assistance can be gained by contacting the HHSA Immunization Branch or visiting their website for those in San Diego seeking resources.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply