Mycoplasma circulates year-round, but recent months have witnessed an unusually high peak, predominantly affecting young people and adults under 30. The majority of cases result in mild illness that resolves itself without intervention. However, a subset develops pneumonia, necessitating hospitalization. In September alone, around 500 cases were reported, a substantial increase from the pre-pandemic peak of 200 cases per month.
State epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén attributes the surge to the reduced exposure to mycoplasma during the early pandemic years, leading to a weakened population immunity.
While most individuals recover without severe complications, a persistent cough is a common symptom that can last for weeks or even months. Mycoplasma primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, with the highest transmissibility occurring during the early stages of illness.
The long incubation period of two to three weeks further complicates containment efforts. Gisslén advises individuals experiencing fever and illness to stay home, particularly during the initial days of the infection.
While the outbreak is expected to subside, it may take multiple infection peaks to return to pre-pandemic levels. Unfortunately, no vaccine is currently available for mycoplasma. Pneumonia cases are typically treated with antibiotics, but standard penicillin is ineffective against this particular bacteria due to its lack of a cell wall.