‘Walking pneumonia outbreak’: Cases explode as Qld suffers antibiotic shortage

Nearly 20,000 Queenslanders have been struck down by skyrocketing rates of walking pneumonia amid a major shortage of antibiotics.

• Explained: What is mycoplasma pneumoniae

A ‘walking pneumonia’ outbreak has exploded among Queensland children as health experts reveal there is a three-month shortage of the antibiotic used to treat the serious illness.

Cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria which can lead to a pneumonia infection, commonly known as ‘walking pneumonia’ have skyrocketed, with 19,823 so far this year, compared to just 443 for all of 2023.

A damning report released by Sullivan Nicolaides this week revealed children were the most affected in Queensland.

Sullivan Nicolaides Pathologist-in-Charge of Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Jenny Robson said there was an increase in hospitalisations from walking pneumonia which is typically a mild strain of the illness.

X-ray of lungs affected by pneumonia - grey area marks diseased tissue.

“It’s called walking pneumonia in that often you don’t end up as sick and in hospital, however, we have had people hospitalised with quite severe symptoms even with walking pneumonia,” she said

“It (spread of the bacteria) usually comes in cycles every 5-7 years and we think that stopped during Covid and has since started back up.”

Ms Robson said the number of positive tests for mycoplasma pneumoniae was the worst she had seen in over three decades describing it as an “outbreak”.

“That bacteria is one of the leading causes of pneumonia,” she said.

Of the 19,823 positives for the respiratory illness this year already, children aged 10-14 are the most impacted, with females sitting at 48.3 per cent positive and males 48.5 per cent.

With the influx of positive tests, GPs have said the hospitals are over run with patients presenting with pneumonia symptoms.

Australian Medical Association Queensland President Nick Yim said there were concerns for the healthcare system given the peak of the season is about a month away.

“The messaging remains clear from us that we do need our population being vaccinated and at the same time for people who are unwell need to stay home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pharmacy Guild QLD branch President Chris Owen said the most common antibiotic dosage used to treat the infection in children, Azithromycin, was not expected to restock for about three to four months.

“What happens with these brands is that they do get it (supply) wrong from time to time,” he said.

Queensland Health says its facilities are well equipped to handle peaks in demand.

A Queensland Health spokesman said the state’s hospital and health facilities were equipped to plan for and respond to peaks in demand, including due to respiratory illnesses.

“Hospitals can adjust resourcing to where they are needed most and work with their partners to increase capacity, if required,” he said.

“The health and safety of our staff and patients is our priority, which is why all hospitals assess their individual risks to ensure effective infection control measures are in place.”

Patients sleeping in the Emergency Room and parents rushing in and out with sick kids was not an uncommon sight when the Courier Mail visited three of Brisbane’s top hospitals including the Princess Alexandra Hospital, RBWH and Prince Charles Hospital this week.

PNEUMONIA – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

GP’s and experts have warned the rates of the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae – one of the leading causes for pneumonia – is the worst it’s been in over three decades.

Meanwhile, the two-month long shortage of the common antibiotic used to treat the serious infection, Azithromycin, isn’t expected to restock in the country for the next three months over the duration of the season’s anticipated peak in mid-august.

We put together a list of commonly asked questions on everything you need to know about pneumonia, how you can avoid it, how it typically starts and more.

How does pneumonia start?

Pneumonia can either be caused by bacteria or a virus. Typically, the most common cause for viral pneumonia is the flu or from a common cold, however, bacterial pneumonia is caused when the body is weak enough for germs to reach a person’s lungs.

What are the different types of pneumonia?

According to Lung Foundation Australia, there are various forms of pneumonia. These include bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia and mycoplasma pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia: Known to be the most severe and potentially life threatening strain of pneumonia. It is generally caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Viral pneumonia: can be caused by a number of viruses including the flu, Covid and RSV.

Mycoplasma pneumonia: caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Recovery generally takes longer, however, symptoms are not as severe.

What is ‘walking pneumonia’?

‘Walking pneumonia’ is a less serious form of the lung infection. It is generally caused by bacteria called mycoplasma pneumoniae or other bacteria and viruses. Commonly, walking pneumonia does not require hospitalisation or a need to stay home. But Sullivan Nicolaides Pathologist-in-Charge of Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Jenny Robson said this year, walking pneumonia had increased in severity across Queensland with some hospitalisations needed.

How can I avoid pneumonia?

To avoid getting pneumonia, Queensland Health have urged people to regularly wash their hands and children’s hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, cleaning and disinfection of regularly touched surfaces, toys and objects such as door handles and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. According to Queensland Health, it is also imperative people keep unwell children away from newborn babies, elderly people and those with weak immune systems as well as staying home if unwell to stop the spread.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Pain caused by pneumonia commonly includes sharp chest pains, fever, chills, dehydration, fatigue, loss of appetite and sweating. Other symptoms include fast and shallow breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing with phlegm or pus.