Health and Safety Alert: Pneumonia on the Rise

The school has continued to see additional cases of “Walking Pneumonia,” also known as “Atypical Pneumonia” or “Mycoplasma Pneumonia,” this week. As noted in last week’s NewsViews, cases locally and around the country are higher this year than in recent years. While Walking Pneumonia is more common in older kids (ages 5-17), the US is seeing more cases in the 2-4 year-old range.

If your child has a cold that lasts longer than 7-10 days, especially with a cough that is getting worse or not going away, please consult your healthcare provider. Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to start. Cases are typically mild, but because bacteria cause the disease, antibiotics can help. If your child is diagnosed with walking pneumonia, please inform the school by emailing Dora Hall, school nurse, at dhall@st-johnschool.org.