York Region is one of the areas experiencing a high rate of "walking pneumonia" as the illness sweeps across the province.
Public Health Ontario published a report in late November highlighting increased walking pneumonia cases caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae. Ontario has seen an 18.3 per cent positivity rate among samples tested, more than triple any amount in the last five years, with the next highest in that span being 5.8 per cent in 2019.
York Region is among the areas experiencing the illness more, with a 23.4 per cent positivity rate being the ninth highest among the province’s 34 public health units. York’s associate medical officer of health Dr. Cheryl Young said the illness is usually less severe than pneumonia caused by other types of bacteria, but can still lead to severe disease in people with weakened immune systems.
“Whether it’s a virus like influenza, COVID-19, or RSV, or bacteria like M. pneumoniae, it is important to follow health and hygiene approaches to protect ourselves and others and to prevent infections from spreading,” Young said.
The bacteria’s activity can cause respiratory illness and tends to increase in the late summer and early fall according to Public Health Ontario. Larger, cyclical increases usually occur every three to seven years and spreads through respiratory droplets. It is most common among school-aged children but can spread among any age group.
York Region does not track the illness, Young said, as it is not required to be reported by the Ministry of Health.
While there is no vaccine for this particular illness, Young said there are still steps to take to avoid the spread of it and other respiratory illnesses.
Proper hygiene practices ”will help protect you and others,” Young said.
That includes hand washing, not touching your face, staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Those who have respiratory symptoms like cough and fever and who are concerned they may have walking pneumonia should speak to their health provider or go to a walk-in clinic, Young said. Those with severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
“Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of these illnesses and staying healthy allows you to stay connected with your loved ones, especially as we head into a busy holiday season,” Young said.
More information is available at york.ca/virusseason.
