Epidemic level of ‘cold pneumonia’ in Denmark

Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut (SSI) warns that the disease known as cold pneumonia has reached epidemic levels in the country. Last week saw 2018 registered cases, which is significantly high according to SSI senior researcher Hanne-Dorthe Emborg. The disease had almost disappeared for 3.5 years but resurfaced in autumn 2023 and has been fluctuating since. Despite its spread, hospitalizations remain low, and the infection usually causes mild symptoms like prolonged dry cough, especially at night, and influenzalike symptoms. It primarily affects children and youth, now extending to their parents. SSI encourages distancing, sleeve coughing, hygiene, and staying home when ill to mitigate the spread. Epidemics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the medical term for cold pneumonia, have historically occurred in Denmark every fourth year.