MEMO: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Activity in Ontario

TO: Health Care Professionals in the Niagara Region

FROM: Infectious Disease Program, Niagara Region Public Health

REFERENCE: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Activity in Ontario

DATE: November 27, 2024

This memo provides updates from Public Health Ontario (PHO) on the increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae activity in the province. Ontario is experiencing a marked increase in disease activity this year:

Total specimens tested, total positive specimens and percent positivity have increased compared to the same time period last year
Disease activity, as measured by these indicators, began increasing from inter-seasonal lows in May and June, with more rapid increases in July and August. Activity has remained high since August.
Disease activity is highest in those aged 10 – 19 years, then 5 – 9 years, followed by 1 – 4 years. Historically, those under 4 years of age have had very low disease activity.

About Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and “atypical” community-acquired pneumonia. Symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases and include fever, headache and a slowly worsening cough.
Those with pre-existing lung conditions may be at higher risk of more severe disease

Actions for Health Care Providers

Consider Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among patients with community-acquired pneumonia who aren't clinically improving on antibiotics that are known to be ineffective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae, such as beta-lactams
Specimens should be collected as soon as possible following onset of symptoms using PHO’s collection kit. Refer to Mycoplasma pneumoniae – Respiratory PCR | Public Health Ontario for information on testing.
Consider using a second-line antibiotic regimen to treat patients with suspected or confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection who aren't improving on macrolides
Advise patients to use layers of protection to reduce the risk of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and other respiratory illnesses
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not a designated Disease of Public Health Significance in Ontario and is not subject to mandatory reporting

More Information

Contact the Infectious Disease program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7330 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.