Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, has been witnessing a significant surge among children across the nation. Louisiana, specifically within Region 6 which includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, is observing one of the largest spikes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other respiratory illnesses are also beginning to pick up. At the start of November, mycoplasma pneumonia accounted for around 7% of all pneumonia-related emergency visits among children, while typically it represents less than 1% of such visits.

Impact on Louisiana Hospitals

Louisiana hospitals are clearly noticing the increase. Dr. Michael Bolton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, stated, "We’ve seen more cases than usual in terms of more severe pneumonia in kids with this bug. More so than we have in years past." The spike in pneumonia cases comes as other seasonal respiratory viruses are starting to increase as well. Bolton said, "It’s starting to pick up right now, probably because people spent time together over Thanksgiving."

Mycoplasma Pneumonia - Causes and Symptoms

Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Initially, symptoms are similar to a cold and include a runny nose, sneezing, low energy, and a sore throat. From there, some children may develop a deep, lingering cough. Additionally, mycoplasma pneumonia can cause neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, difficulty with balance, and an altered mental status. While it is typically more common among school-age kids, this year the spike is more pronounced in younger children ages 2 to 4, which is unusual. This particular bacteria usually peaks every three to seven years and often resolves on its own without causing pneumonia. The entire nation is seeing more cases in young kids. Dr. Kent Humble, medical director for Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care, said, "I don’t know if anybody understands exactly what is going on." Most cases are mild, which is why it is called "walking" pneumonia. Some believe the increase might be due in part to the bacteria developing resistance to the typical antibiotics used to treat it. Bolton added, "We’ve seen a little more resistance than historically noted for this bacteria… so we’ve had to go to alternative drugs."

RSV on the Rise

Influenza and RSV are also on the rise, though not more than what is typical for the season yet. Dr. Mark Kline, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and physician in chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, said, "Influenza is probably going to be a milder-than-average season, from what I’m seeing so far." According to wastewater data, influenza remains low in Louisiana. But the state currently has high levels of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. Louisiana’s rate is about 130% higher than the national rate for RSV and is one of eight with "high" or "very high" levels. About 20% of tests for RSV are coming back positive at Children’s. There was hope that new vaccines for pregnant women, infants, and older adults might curb RSV numbers, but it’s likely too early to see an impact. Among adults over 60, 3.5% received the RSV vaccine in Louisiana. Infants under 8 months old born during or just before their first RSV season and those under 19 months who are at higher risk of disease entering their second RSV season are eligible for a monoclonal antibody immunization for RSV, which provides temporary protection. About 4% of Louisiana children received it last year.

COVID-19 Levels

COVID-19 levels are low nationally and in Louisiana, according to wastewater data. For parents trying to limit illness, the advice remains the same: try not to spread germs to others and wash your hands. Bolton emphasized, "You would be amazed, when you watch somebody for two minutes, how many times they put their fingers or hands in places where germs are."

Lead exposure in the 20th century has emerged as a significant factor influencing the mental health of Americans. A new study suggests that this exposure may have led to a range of mental health issues. Let's delve deeper into this important discovery.

Uncovering the Hidden Link between Lead and Mental Health

Introduction to the Study

Researchers from Duke University and Florida State University conducted a study to understand the impact of lead in gasoline on mental health. Gasoline containing lead was first added in 1923 to keep car engines healthy and was later banned in 1996. People born from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s had the highest exposure.This exposure resulted in an imbalance of mental health, making generations of Americans more depressed, anxious, inattentive, or hyperactive. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, attributed an estimated 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders over the past 75 years to leaded gas exposure in American children.

Impact on Different Generations

The generation with the greatest lead exposures, Generation X (1965-1980), faced the greatest mental health losses. Americans born before 1966 experienced significantly higher rates of mental health problems due to lead exposure. This likely led to changes in their personalities, making them less successful and resilient in life.Even today, millions of Americans alive have had extremely high lead exposure as children. This raises questions about how these exposures have influenced the trajectories of their lives.

Neurotoxic Effects of Lead

Lead is neurotoxic and can erode brain cells and alter brain function. Young children are especially vulnerable, and no matter the age, our brains are ill-equipped to keep lead toxicity at bay. There is no safe level of lead exposure at any point in life.Researchers have noted that humans are not adapted to the levels of lead to which we have been exposed over the past century. We have few effective measures to deal with lead once it is in the body.

Clinical Consequences

Lead exposure resulted in greater rates of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. It also led to more "mild distress that would impair quality of life." This likely contributed to lower IQs, mental health problems, and other long-term health complications such as cardiovascular disease.The researchers analyzed historical data on childhood blood-lead levels, leaded gas use, and U.S. population statistics. They determined that more than 170 million Americans had "clinically concerning levels" of lead in their blood as children as of 2015.

Call to Action

Experts urge the public to take lead exposure seriously by removing hazards that still exist in some paint, fuel, batteries, and other mediums. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps to address lead issues, issuing a regulation in October 2024 to give cities 10 years to replace remaining lead plumbing and taking action in January 2024 to lower lead levels in soil at residential homes.Child psychologist Dr. Michele Borba emphasizes that while social media is often blamed for the current youth mental health crisis, lead exposure explores a new realm. More research is needed, and she recommends that other mental health experts consider lead exposure when treating patients.In conclusion, lead has played a larger role in our mental health than previously thought. As time goes on, more lead-mental health studies are needed to improve our understanding and estimates. For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.