DOH: All 'walking pneumonia' cases in PH recovered

All four confirmed cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae or the “walking pneumonia” detected in the Philippines this year have already recovered, the Department of Health (DOH) said. 

The DOH made the clarification after it said on Wednesday that among the recorded cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the country in 2023 so far, four have been of mycoplasma pneumoniae — one in January, one in July, and two in September. 

“Only 4 (0.08%) of the confirmed ILl cases from January up to November 25, 2023 were due to M. pneumoniae or ‘Walking Pneumonia.’ All these cases have recovered,” the DOH said. 

The agency also emphasized that mycoplasma pneumoniae is a known and common pathogen and has been previously detected in the country using various methods.

“The DOH reassures the public that detecting M. pneumoniae is NOT new or unusual,” it added. 

The Health Department also said that medicines are available to treat mycoplasma pneumoniae, and its transmission is easily preventable. 

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

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an ILI which presents as fever, sore throat, and cough, and causes different infections including colds and pneumonia. It also typically affects children. 

While all age groups can get infected, the DOH said those with weak immune systems and living in closed settings are at higher risk for more severe disease. 

Its transmission could be prevented through regular handwashing, masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, and updating vaccinations.  —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News