2023 Ohio pneumonia outbreak

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In late 2023, an outbreak of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred in Ohio, primarily affecting children. [1] Despite it occurring at around the same time, experts say that it is unrelated to the 2023 Chinese pneumonia outbreak. [2] The average age of children affected is eight years old, with some cases being as young as three. [1] As of December 1, 2023, investigation as to the cause is still ongoing. [3]

Contents

Timeline

November 2023

On November 30, Warren County, Ohio reported an unusually high number of pediatric pneumonia cases, [4] reporting 142 cases since August. [5]

December 2023

On December 1, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Tom Frieden said that the outbreak could be the result of an "immunity gap" caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, leaving people more susceptible to infections by Influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19. [3]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">SARS</span> Disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019</span> Sequence of major events in a virus pandemic

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chinese pneumonia outbreak</span> Disease outbreak in northern China

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References

  1. 1 2 "What is 'White Lung Syndrome,' the Ohio child pneumonia outbreak?". NewsNation. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  2. "Ohio "white lung" pneumonia cases not linked to China outbreak or novel pathogen, experts say - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  3. 1 2 Palmer, Tom (2023-12-01). "'White lung syndrome': Here is what we know about the Ohio outbreak". The Hill. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  4. "What is mycoplasma pneumonia, the illness driving an outbreak in Ohio?". NBC News. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  5. "Ohio first state to report 'white lung syndrome' outbreak". WTRF. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2023-12-02.