Surge in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Cases Declared as Epidemic in Denmark

In recent weeks, a growing number of people in Denmark have tested positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), commonly known as ‘walking pneumonia,’ according to the Danish State Serum Institute (SSI). The institute assesses that the current numbers have reached epidemic proportions.

“Over the past five weeks, the number of new cases has risen significantly, with a notable increase beyond the normal range, indicating widespread infection across the entire country,” stated senior researcher Hanne-Dorthe Emborg from the State Serum Institute.

According to SSI, 541 new cases of MP infection were reported in week 47, marking more than a threefold increase since week 42 when there were 168 confirmed cases. The actual number of cases is likely much higher, as not everyone with mild symptoms undergoes testing.

The disease often presents itself with mild flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, headache, sore throat, and prolonged dry cough, especially at night. While most individuals experience fever, it is often not as high as that seen in influenza and other more typical pneumonia cases. This has led to the nicknames ‘walking pneumonia’ or ‘atypical pneumonia,’ as conventional penicillin has no effect on the infection.

SSI notes that MP epidemics typically do not result in many hospitalizations, thus avoiding significant strain on the healthcare system.