Respiratory Outbreak Hospitalizing PA Kids: What To Know

PENNSYLVANIA — Increased cases of respiratory illnesses have sickened children around the world and across Pennsylvania, federal health officials said in a warning issued this week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the increase in such illnesses, including pneumonia, occurs every year. Numbers are slightly elevated this year compared to pre-pandemic years.

"These increases are likely caused by viruses and bacteria we expect to see during the respiratory illness season," the CDC said.

There is no belief among health experts that the spikes are due to a new virus. Local and state officials in many parts of the country remain on alert, however, and are closely tracking flu, RSV, and COVID-19 numbers.

"Influenza case counts in Pennsylvania are increasing," according to the state Department of Health. Emergency visits due to various respiratory issues, not just influenza, are increasing in all age groups in the state, which is typical for this time of year.

The state does not have numbers on pnuemonia specifically for 2023, however, and the Department of Health has not issued a separate warning on the recent increase in illnesses. The most recently available statistics, covering the week ending on Dec. 2, indicate 8,860 influenza cases and 15,238 RSV cases statewide.

Nationwide, the weekly percentage of emergency department visits among children that have diagnosed pneumonia is now at an elevated level, according to the most recent data. It sits at 1.7 percent for children one-year-old and young, 2.4 percent for children between 2 and 4, and 1.5 percent for children 5 to 17-years-old.

While elevated, these numbers are still "roughly in line" with previous years, officials said, noting that they're carefully surveilling the situation.

"The CDC has been monitoring increases in respiratory illness reported recently around the world, including in China and several European countries," the organization added. "CDC is working closely with international, state, and local public health partners to maintain strong situational awareness."

Children that have pneumonia should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids to fight the infection. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be used to relieve a fever, and parents should take their child to a doctor anytime that symptoms persist.