Walking pneumonia, a mild form of lung infection, known as atypical or mycoplasma pneumonia, has become increasingly common among children in Kerala. This spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The occurrences increase particularly during monsoon seasons and seasonal shifts.
The children continue to remain active and stay healthy, despite the infection, hence the condition is colloquially called ‘walking pneumonia.’
Tropical climate and population density
Kerala experiences a tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures, heavy rainfall and higher humidity. Such climatic conditions aid the spread of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the bacterium responsible for walking pneumonia.
Kerala is one of the highly densely populated states, another factor contributing to the fast spread of the organism among the youth. With a population density of 859-890 people per square kilometre, against the national average of 382 people per square kilometre, the spread is hard to contain in educational institutions, particularly in daycare centres.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia
Contrary to traditional bacterial pneumonia, the symptoms of walking pneumonia begin gradually: persistent dry cough, low-grade fever, fatigue and mild fever have become quite common among children in Kerala.
These symptoms are similar to those of walking pneumonia, making the diagnosis difficult. Mostly such symptoms are mistaken for common viral infections or seasonal allergies, which are also prevalent in the state.
Environmental factors contributing to prevalence
With population density and tropical climate, urbanisation and air pollution also play a role in the spread of the infection.
Stubble burning in the Kuttanad region, known for rice cultivation, also plays a minor role in affecting the airways of children. After cultivation, farmers burn agricultural residues, resulting in infections among children.
Diagnosis and treatment
Healthcare professionals depend on clinical examination and chest X-rays for diagnosing the condition among children. The state healthcare system is concentrating more on early identification of walking pneumonia, as the number of cases has increased recently.
Blood tests among children may return with elevated white blood cell counts, which is not considered the primary diagnosis by doctors.
The treatment primarily focuses on supportive care rather than administering antibiotics. Those affected are advised adequate rest, hydration and medications.
Better indoor air quality
The prevention of the spread of the organism can be ensured by better indoor air quality during the monsoon seasons in educational institutions. Frequent awareness programs are held on behalf of the state health department on respiratory infections, and the importance of washing hands and covering mouth while coughing and sneezing. Most children require 2 to 3 weeks for recovery even as the cough may continue to persist.
Rarely do children suffer any serious illness from the bacterial infection, but healthcare professionals insist on completing the prescribed treatments for children found positive for the infection.