GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) — Walking pneumonia, a contagious form of pneumonia that doctors say was virtually nonexistent during the pandemic, is back.

The CDC says cases of this childhood illness are occurring in unusually high numbers, especially among very young children, so they want parents to know the symptoms in their toddlers.

Ten-month-old Nathan looks as healthy as can be. His mother Anahi Velasco says they have been able to avoid the disease so far.

“He didn’t really get sick. So if he does get sick, it’s going to be bad. I’m a new mom, so everything is new to me,” Velasco said.

Now there’s a new warning from the CDC about a disturbing increase in what’s called walking pneumonia. It ensures a stronger than normal performance among the very young.

“Usually this involves school-age children, adolescents and young adults. But this year we are starting to see this in a younger audience, ages 2 to 4, which is not typically a mycoplasma pneumonia group,” says Dr. John Rodarte. , a pediatrician at Huntington Health Physicians.

Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria can infect the lining of the airways. Rodarte said if it enters the lungs, the air sacs can fill with fluid. This would result in the following symptoms: phlegm, fever, chills and breathing difficulties.

“Some people may have a very mild mycoplasma infection that you can get rid of without being treated with antibiotics. If it gets into the lungs, it causes the pneumonia, and that’s when you often need to be treated with antibiotics. ” he said.

That’s why health officials want parents and doctors to be aware of this type of pneumonia so that children can receive proper treatment if necessary.

The CDC says it accounts for more than 7% of emergency room visits among 2- to 17-year-olds.

“If your cough really persists and worsens in week three, then it’s probably time to go in and get it looked at. Or at any point, if it seems like they’re short of breath or having trouble breathing,” Rodarte said.

Doctors say we could see more cases as the holidays approach. Velasco said she will do everything she can to keep her baby away from sick children.

“Especially in the cold season, I would try to get away a little bit,” she said.