Health authorities provide reassurance amidst panic over Walking Pneumonia

Princess Concrenio

December 12, 2023

An increase in cases of atypical pneumonia, commonly known as “walking pneumonia” has been observed in the Philippines. This strain, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is known for its mild symptoms, allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines.

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a well-known and common pathogen, causing various infections such as colds and pneumonia. Described as one of the influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), it typically presents with symptoms like fever, sore throat, and cough. 

In a statement, the DOH reassured the public that detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not new or unusual, emphasizing its familiarity as part of ILIs. 

The confirmation of four cases of "walking pneumonia" in the country was announced by the DOH on November 25, 2023. The cases were reported in different morbidity weeks, 3, 30, 37, and 38, with one case identified in each of these weeks, as communicated during a briefing by the DOH.

In an update provided on wednesday, DOH clarified that the four cases of walking pneumonia were not recent incidents but had been previously identified and were marked as recovered.

The department highlighted that among the ILIs cases documented from January to November, only four cases were confirmed as walking pneumonia, which equates to 0.08%.

The agency highlighted that among the Influenza-like Illness cases documented from January to November, merely four cases, equivalent to 0.08%, were confirmed as instances of walking pneumonia.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa clarified on Wednesday that there is no ongoing outbreak of the walking pneumonia in the country, despite the increasing instances of respiratory illness observed in China and other European nations.

Herbosa underscored that the respiratory surge in China is attributed to known microbes like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza, rather than a novel virus.

“Sa Philippines po, wala pang outbreak according to our Epidemiology Bureau,” Herbosa says. “Although marami ang cases because ito po talaga yung season ng respiratory illness” he said during the hearing of the Commission on Appointments on his ad interim appointment as Health Secretary.

Herbosa thus advised the public to follow the health protocols observed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as wearing of face masks.

“‘Yung natutunan natin nung COVID, ‘yung social distancing at saka ‘yung pagsuot ng face mask, cough etiquette para hindi magkahawaan. Kung may sakit ang bata, wag nang papasukin para hindi makahawa ng ibang bata sa eskwelahan” Herbosa further explained.

DOH is anticipating the Philippine General Hospital’s (PGH) report to determine whether the surge in pneumonia cases at its facility is linked to the walking pneumonia or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

Herbosa therefore recommended the public to adhere to health protocols reminiscent of the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. This includes wearing face masks to curb the potential escalation of respiratory infections, particularly as the holiday season approaches.

The DOH stressed the significance of personal evaluation, evaluation encouraging people to war masks, maintain good ventilation, isolate when feeling unwell, and give priority to getting vaccinated and receiving booster shots as preventive steps.—OVERTURN