2024-11-04 20:35:00
As the respiratory virus season approaches, Montreal pediatric hospitals are seeing a significant jump in cases of atypical pneumonia in their emergency rooms, an illness often caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Several children had to be hospitalized due to this infection.
This disease follows a cycle whereby the number of cases increases every 3 to 7 years, explains Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatrician and microbiologist-infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the McGill University Health Center (MUHC). “What we are experiencing is therefore not unusual, but it has been several years since we have seen so many cases in Quebec,” he emphasizes.
Most of those affected are school-aged children and adolescents, says Dr. Papenburg. “But it can affect people of any age. »
Atypical pneumonia usually begins with a cough sometimes accompanied by fever. The infected person may then cough for a few weeks, in addition to feeling very tired, explains the doctor. More rarely, atypical pneumonia can cause respiratory distress, skin rashes, very severe conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers or even brain damage. “It’s uncommon, but there are so many cases of the disease at the moment that we also see unusual manifestations. »
This year, more children suffering from this disease had to be hospitalized to receive oxygen, notes Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, pediatrician and microbiologist-infectious disease specialist at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center. “These are field observations,” explains Dr. Quach-Thanh. Its establishment does not monitor the evolution of cases of atypical pneumonia on a weekly basis.
In Quebec, infection with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is often responsible for cases of atypical pneumonia, is not a notifiable disease. Thus, the Ministry of Health and Social Services explains in writing that it is not “systematically informed of all cases associated with this pathogen”.
However, this does not mean that no monitoring is carried out, specifies the ministry. “Indeed, in the event that there is an outbreak or a particular situation representing a threat to the population, [ces cas] should be reported to public health authorities. »
More detections
In addition to Montreal, several regions of Quebec are seeing an increase in cases of atypical pneumonia, notes Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh. “It’s a big year. »
It should also be noted that more detections of the disease were made in 2024 than before, points out the pediatrician and microbiologist-infectious disease specialist. Many children who suffered from cough have undergone screening tests, in the context where whooping cough cases have reached a historic peak this year in Quebec. “Sometimes they were found to have whooping cough and other times they had a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection,” she explains.
The two diseases can look similar when the person has just contracted them, says Dr. Jesse Papenburg. However, unlike atypical pneumonia, whooping cough causes numerous coughing fits which often occur during the night, he specifies.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. Taking antibiotics, however, can reduce the symptoms of atypical pneumonia, adds Dr. Papenburg. The doctor, however, wants to be reassuring in relation to the increase in cases of this disease. “It’s important that there is awareness, but I wouldn’t say that I’m worried about the population. This is not a public health crisis. »
As the respiratory virus season approaches, Dr. Jesse Papenburg nevertheless invites Quebecers to be vigilant with regard to the different infections that can be transmitted from one person to another.
Influenza vaccination is now offered free of charge to anyone who wishes it, he recalls. “It is particularly important for children under 5 years old to protect themselves from it, because they are more at risk of developing severe complications linked to the flu. And especially toddlers under 2 years old,” he adds.
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**Interview with Dr. Jesse Papenburg: Understanding the Atypical Pneumonia Surge in Quebec**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. Papenburg. Thank you for joining us today. With recent reports of an increase in atypical pneumonia cases in Montreal and beyond, can you explain what Mycoplasma pneumoniae is and why we’re seeing a spike in infections this year?
**Dr. Jesse Papenburg:** Thank you for having me. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can lead to atypical pneumonia, which often affects school-aged children and adolescents. This illness follows a cyclical pattern, typically rising every three to seven years, and what we’re observing now is part of that natural trend. However, it’s been several years since we’ve seen such a significant number of cases here in Quebec.
**Interviewer:** It sounds concerning. What are the common symptoms parents should look out for?
**Dr. Papenburg:** Atypical pneumonia typically starts with a persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever. Children may also feel very fatigued and may cough for several weeks. In some cases, we do see more serious symptoms like respiratory distress or skin rashes, though they are less common.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this year has seen more hospitalizations due to atypical pneumonia. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Papenburg:** Yes, that’s correct. We have seen a notable number of children requiring hospitalization for oxygen treatment this year. While most cases are manageable, the sheer volume of infections means we’re also encountering some unusual manifestations of the disease.
**Interviewer:** Given that atypical pneumonia is not a notifiable disease in Quebec, how does that impact public health monitoring?
**Dr. Papenburg:** It does present some challenges. The Ministry of Health and Social Services may not be systematically informed of every case, but there are protocols in place to monitor outbreaks. For instance, if there’s a significant rise that poses a threat to public health, that should trigger a response.
**Interviewer:** What steps can be taken to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections?
**Dr. Papenburg:** While there is currently no vaccine for this bacteria, antibiotics can be effective in reducing symptoms and managing the illness. It’s important that parents stay vigilant and consult healthcare providers if they notice concerning symptoms in their children.
**Interviewer:** what message do you have for parents regarding this situation?
**Dr. Papenburg:** I want to reassure parents that while we’re seeing an increase in atypical pneumonia cases, most children will recover without serious complications. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical help when necessary, but there’s no need for panic. Staying informed and maintaining communication with healthcare providers is key.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Papenburg. It’s always a pleasure to have you with us as we navigate these health challenges.
**Dr. Papenburg:** Thank you. It’s important to keep the community informed and safe.
