Children in Ireland among ‘small rise’ in cases of lung infection causing concern in China

Irish hospitals and GPs have noted a small increase in mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes lung infection and is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, peaking every three to seven years.

The numbers in this country, which have risen in October and November, remain small. But in China, which is facing its first winter since the lifting of strict Covid restrictions, the infection is among a number of seasonal illnesses which have rebounded, including in children, whose immunity was damaged due to lack of exposure to bugs and viruses for so long.

It causes lung infection and is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Cases are more common in summer and early autumn, with peaks of disease every three to seven years, said the HSE.

A spokesman said that currently the numbers of community cases identified diagnosed by the National Virus Laboratory are higher than those seen last year but it “as follows a cyclical pattern, it is to be expected.”

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not a notifiable disease in Ireland, similar to the vast majority of European countries, but outbreaks must be reported.

So far this year a community outbreak of mycoplasma pneumoniae was notified to to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in October – the first in a number of years.

GPs who are part of a disease watchdog network reported back on six cases in October and nine this month – compared to one last year.

Around one in two of these are in patients aged 15 to 64 years, 42pc were aged 5 to 14 years and 5pc of the cases are in children aged four and younger.

Another 13 cases, mostly from hospitals, were notified this year so far versus no cases in 2022 and 2021. But there were 77 in 2020. The HSE stressed that the numbers are still very low.

China , which was requested to provide a report to the World Health Organisation (WHO) last week on the sweep of respiratory illness hitting parts of the country, said it mirrored the surge seen in Europe last year due to the opening up after Covid restrictions and the increase in vulnerability of people to common infections.

Meanwhile, UK reported a first confirmed case there of A(H1N2)v , a form of swine flu. It caused a mild illness and the patient has fully recovered.Around 50 cases have been reported globally in 20 years,

A spokesman for HSE confirmed yesterday no cases of this strain of swine flu has been detected here.

People in close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl should beware of flu symptoms and stay at home if they have them.

Avoid contact with risk groups for flu and contact a GP if symptoms worsen. Cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands with soap and water or clean hands with alcohol-based hand gel.

Vaccination remains the best protection against influenza and is recommended for people who have close contact with pigs, poultry and water fowl.