Bacterial pneumonia cases increasing in Central Illinois

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows bacterial pneumonia is now the leading type of pneumonia for kids between two and four.

From April to October, cases jumped from 1% to 7% in kids ages two to four and from 3.6% to 7.4% in kids ages five to 17. It’s a trend also seen by pediatricians and schools here in Central Illinois.

“Bacterial pneumonia is a relatively uncommon thing in most children. However, over the past couple of months, we have been seeing a lot more cases,” said Dr. Aaron Traeger, pediatrician with Carle Health.

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Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include chest cough, fever and difficulty breathing. After a round of antibiotics, symptoms should subside in a day or two.

“Kids probably don’t do the best about covering their coughing and washing their hands and staying away from each other and stuff like that,” said Traeger. “As soon as something doesn’t feel right to me, especially if it feels like they’re laboring to breathe or sicker than you think they should be, please come in.”

The Tazewell County Health Department sent parents a letter notifying them about increased reports of the illness in multiple school districts.

JD Raucci, a communication and health education specialist with the Tazewell County Health Department, wouldn’t disclose which schools, citing confidentiality. But he said all schools have a role in curbing the spread this season.

“We’re just recommending for school districts just to make sure that they’re doing a lot of disinfection, disinfecting high touch surfaces like lunch tables, desks, things like that, because the bacteria can spread fairly quickly,” he said.

It’s also a good idea for parents to follow these tips at home. And of course, don’t send your kids to school if they are sick.

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