Health officials in Ohio are warning about an increase in pneumonia cases among children — but experts say there isn’t a connection between this outbreak and the one happening in China.
In an update on the outbreak in Ohio’s Warren County, officials revealed that 145 cases of pediatric pneumonia have been reported in children aged 3 to 14 years old. The illness, colloquially referred to as “white lung syndrome,” typically presents with symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue. Authorities stated that these cases are not believed to be connected to a new or novel respiratory virus, and there is no evidence linking the outbreak to other cases nationally or internationally.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), addressed the situation, emphasizing that there is no evidence of a new virus like COVID-19 in the outbreak. Instead, the rise in cases is attributed to existing pathogens, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, and mycoplasma, a bacteria known to cause pneumonia. Health officials in Ohio
While outbreaks in the U.S. and China show similarities, medical experts clarify that they are not connected. Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, explained that both outbreaks involve an increase in common viruses and bacteria, affecting children and infants who lack immunity to these pathogens.
Massachusetts has also reported a modest increase in pediatric pneumonia cases, which health officials attribute to seasonally appropriate levels of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The state emphasized that there is no evidence linking these cases to mycoplasma.
To prevent serious lung infections like pneumonia in children, experts recommend vaccinations against viruses such as the flu, COVID, and RSV. Monitoring and collaboration between health agencies internationally continue to assess and manage these outbreaks.