CDC

Resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in U.S. children—2024 sees sharp uptick in hospitalizations

July 1, 2025

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children, showed a dramatic resurgence in 2024 after remaining at historically low levels during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of data from 42 U.S. pediatric hospitals revealed that M. pneumoniae–associated CAP incidence rose from 2.1 per 1,000 hospitalizations (2018–2023) to 12.5 in 2024. By July 2024, over half (53.8%) of pediatric CAP hospitalizations were associated with M. pneumoniae, with the highest burden among children aged 6 to 12 years.

Despite the increase in cases, the clinical severity of infections in 2024—measured by hospital stay duration and ICU admissions—was similar to previous years. CDC emphasizes the need for heightened clinical awareness and diagnostic consideration for M. pneumoniae, especially during periodic surges, to guide appropriate treatment and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Source:

Diaz MH, et al. (2025, June 26). CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Hospitalized Children — United States, 2018–2024. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7423a1.htm