‘Walking pneumonia’ not new, says DOH

THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday sought to allay fears caused by reports that four cases of “walking pneumonia,” a form of lung infection, have been detected in the country.

It said mycoplasma pneumoniae which causes the respiratory illness is not a new virus, and has long been present in the country.

“Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a known and common pathogen. It causes different infections, including colds and pneumonia. It is one of the influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), which presents as fever, sore throat, and cough,” the DOH said in a statement.

“The DOH reassures the public that detecting mycoplasma pneumoniae is not new or unusual,” it added.

Surveillance systems are able to detect ILIs, and can confirm through laboratories what may be causing them, the DOH also said, contrasting the situation to that when the COVID-19 pandemic started.

The DOH also assured the public there are medicines for walking pneumonia and physicians and other medical personnel in local hospitals are able to treat the illness.

The health department said transmission of the walking pneumonia is also preventable through regular handwashing, masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, and updating vaccinations.

On reports about the four cases detected in the country, the DOH said they are not recent case and all have long recovered.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has said there is no outbreak of walking pneumonia in the Philippines, amid an increase in respiratory illnesses in China and some European countries. – Gerard Naval