Utah has no reports of walking pneumonia but state epidemiologist says that’s not the full story
Nov 8, 2024, 1:00 PM
Walking pneumonia has not been reported in Utah. Could that be because it doesn't have to be reported? (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is not required to report certain illnesses, such as walking pneumonia. This explains the absence of reported cases according to state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen.
“We do have the ability to see how many people are going into the emergency rooms or into our hospitals for general kinds of pneumonia,” Nolen said. “When we look at that data, we don’t see much of an increase.”
Despite Utah being seemingly walking pneumonia free, the illness peaked nationally back in August.
Nolen said walking pneumonia symptoms aren’t usually as bad as the traditional disease. She also said that people with full blown pneumonia frequently go to the hospital.
“People with walking pneumonia get somewhat sick,” Nolen said. “But they can generally juggle through their regular lives without having to go to the hospital.”
According to Nolen, Utah has seen an increase in respiratory infections, which is probably due to the change in weather and the fact that schools are back in session.
“There was some increase this summer in the number of little kids who were going into emergency rooms and hospitals with a specific type of pneumonia.”
Additionally, in checking in with local emergency rooms, Nolen said there are currently no reports of walking pneumonia.
Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
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