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]
| 2023 Ohio pneumonia outbreak | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Disease | Mycoplasma pneumonia |
| Location | Ohio |
Timeline
editNovember 2023
editOn November 30, Warren County, Ohio reported an unusually high number of pediatric pneumonia cases,[4] reporting 142 cases since August.[5]
December 2023
editOn 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.