TOKYO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mycoplasma pneumonia cases are rapidly increasing in Japan, with the weekly number of patients per medical institution reaching a record high, local media reported.
The number of mycoplasma pneumonia patients has steadily risen in Japan since June. For the week ending Sept. 29, an average of 1.64 cases per medical institution was reported, marking the highest figure since data collection began in 1999, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing health officials.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial respiratory infection that spreads through droplets and physical contact, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and persistent coughing.
Children are particularly susceptible to infection. In severe cases, patients may develop pneumonia or weakness due to fever, potentially requiring hospitalization. In rare instances, complications such as encephalitis, a brain inflammation, can occur.
As mycoplasma pneumonia typically spikes between fall and winter, Japan's health officials anticipate a further rise in cases. ■