By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that all four cases of “walking pneumonia” have successfully recovered.
“Only 4 (0.08%) of the confirmed influenza-like illness cases from January to November 25, 2023, were attributed to M. pneumoniae or ‘Walking Pneumonia.’ All these cases have now been recovered. More than half of the confirmed ILI cases were caused by other well-known and commonly detected pathogens. We have effective medicines for treating M. pneumoniae, and its transmission can be easily prevented,” stated the DOH.
According to the DOH, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common and known pathogen that can cause various infections, including colds and pneumonia.
It is classified as one of the influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), presenting symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough.
“Younger children may exhibit cold-like symptoms. Although all age groups can be affected, individuals with weakened immune systems and those living in closed settings are at a higher risk of developing more severe diseases. Filipino doctors and medical personnel in our hospitals are equipped to treat M. pneumoniae and have the necessary medicines,” the agency assured.
“Here in the Philippines, the DOH has previously identified M. pneumoniae using various methods. The DOH surveillance systems can detect ILIs and confirm their causes through laboratory testing,” it added.
Earlier, the DOH reported four confirmed cases of “walking pneumonia” as of November 25.
(ai/mnm)
