Health officials urge precautions at polls amid pneumonia spikes

SAN ANTONIO - A sharp increase in pneumonia cases this fall is prompting concerns from health experts, particularly as the U.S. heads into Election Day.

According to Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, the percentage of people diagnosed with pneumonia has surged more than 20% compared to the same time last year, when the hospital reported no cases.

Dr. Tess Barton, an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio, says the spike is largely attributed to mycoplasma pneumonia, often referred to as "walking pneumonia."

This form of pneumonia tends to be less severe but is more persistent than typical bacterial pneumonia, with symptoms that include a lingering cough, nausea, and fever.

While mycoplasma pneumonia is generally manageable, it can take longer to resolve than other types of pneumonia.

Though the illness can resemble a common cold, in some cases, it can worsen, leading to more serious complications.

The infection is easily transmitted, particularly among children and young adults who often spend time in close social settings like schools and extracurricular activities.

Dr. Barton noted that mycoplasma pneumonia tends to appear in waves, with cases increasing every few years before subsiding.

With Election Day just around the corner, Dr. Barton is urging voters to take extra precautions, especially those who expect to be in crowded polling places.

Health experts recommend practicing good hygiene, such as using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching your face, to help reduce the spread of the infection during in-person voting.

As the mycoplasma pneumonia wave continues to spread, local health authorities are advising the public to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in public spaces.