DOH: PH had 4 confirmed cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ in 2023

Four confirmed cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae or the “walking pneumonia” have been detected in the Philippines this year, according to the latest data by the Department of Health (DOH). 

The DOH’s data showed that one case of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was reported in January, one in July, and two in September. 

These cases were found only among the recorded cases of influenza-like illness in the country. 

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday said that there is no outbreak of the mycoplasma pneumoniae in the Philippines amid the rising cases of respiratory illness in China and other countries.

DOH also pointed out that mycoplasma pneumoniae is not a new pathogen and has already been previously detected in the country. 

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said last week the bacterial infection which was tagged among those causing the surge of respiratory illness in China, particularly among children, seemingly works like COVID-19.

“It has the label of ‘walking pneumonia’ because you feel alright, except for COVID, it can easily progress to something that’s terrible,” said Tayag, —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News