At parks, bus stops and anywhere that parents gather, the conversation quickly turns to one topic: sickness. In addition to COVID-19, influenza and ‘RSV’, parents in the Illawarra are quickly becoming acquainted with this year’s most-talked about infection — Mycoplasma pneumoniae or ‘walking pneumonia.’

In January 2024, NSW Health issued an alert to warn that ‘cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specifically among children of age 5 to 16 years, have been increasing.’ Symptoms may develop over one to three weeks and include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat and malaise, according to NSW Health. 

Globally, there has been an increase in cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children in China, Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, North America and Europe. This typically occurs every 3-7 years as population immunity wanes.

“We call it walking pneumonia because people can be outwardly well, or seem well, but have an ongoing, lower respiratory tract infection,” Dr Michael Bonning, President of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC News. “What we see with this is, it takes quite a long time to incubate and people can be infectious for quite a long period of time.”

According to The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, people with Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be infectious for up to four weeks before showing symptoms.

Now, the spread is becoming apparent in Kiama and the surrounding areas. For the week ending 28 April 2024, Southern IML Pathology released a report that showed a sharp rise in the percentage of positive tests in the Illawarra, compared to 2019-2023.

“For me and my kids, it started with a sore throat and a chesty cough, then headaches, body aches, fever and fatigue,” a mother-of-two from Kiama told The Bugle. After visiting their GP, and being diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, they faced a different challenge — accessing medication. “We had to visit three pharmacies to fulfill our scripts,” she says. “Luckily, once we could start a course of antibiotics, everyone started improving.”

Unsurprisingly, local parents are concerned but medical experts say, it’s important to be aware but not alarmed. Mycoplasma pneumoniae generally resolves without serious complications, although a cough and lethargy may persist for more than one month. In most cases, it is readily treated with antibiotics, however, as with all respiratory illnesses, it can be more dangerous for babies, vulnerable people and the elderly.

Doctor Tom Hilliar from Kiama Down Medical Practice confirms, there has been a significant increase in local cases. “GPs in our district have seen an enormous amount of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children and adults this year,” he says. “The hugely useful test, which is sometimes forgotten in hospital or even with some GPs, is to do a ‘mycoplasma PCR throat swab’. Most cases can be treated safely at home after a doctor review.”

If you are concerned about the health of your or your child, Hilliar has this advice: “Please see your GP or Urgent Care Clinic if you are worried about this illness. If you can't get advice or be seen straight away, calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222 is really helpful.”