Context:
Recently, a mysterious influenza-like illness termed as Walking Pneumonia has gripped school children in China.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Walking Pneumonia: A Mild Form of Respiratory Infection
- Walking pneumonia, or atypical pneumonia, is a less severe form of pneumonia primarily caused by bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Termed “walking” pneumonia due to its mild symptoms, allowing individuals to continue daily activities without requiring hospitalization or bed rest.
Prevalence and Transmission:
- Common in Children: More prevalent among children, especially those aged 5 to 15, often transmitted in close-contact settings like schools.
- Airborne Transmission: Spread through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, emphasizing the role of close contact in infection transmission.
Symptoms:
- Mild Symptoms: Symptoms are generally mild and may include a persistent cough, fever, sore throat, headache, runny nose, ear pain, and occasional chest discomfort from coughing.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics: Treatment involves antibiotics to target the specific bacteria causing the infection, aiding in a quicker recovery.
-Source: The Hindu
