Posted on November 13, 2025
If you’ve noticed more lingering coughs among family members, coworkers, or classmates in the Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton area this fall, you’re not alone. At East County Internal Medicine, we’ve seen an uptick in patients presenting with symptoms of “walking pneumonia” — a milder form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This trend aligns with statewide and national reports of increased cases throughout 2025, particularly after a period of unusually low activity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why the Increase in Walking Pneumonia Now?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections historically cycle every 3–7 years, but they dropped dramatically during pandemic restrictions like masking and social distancing. As those measures eased, the bacteria has made a strong comeback:
- The CDC reports that M. pneumoniae infections began rising in late spring 2024 and have remained elevated through 2025, with test positivity rates climbing nationwide.
- Notably, cases are affecting younger children (ages 2–4) more than in previous cycles — a shift from the typical school-age group (5–17 years).
- In Florida, hospitals and clinics, including those in South Florida and Central Florida regions, have reported surges, with some pediatric centers seeing 5–10 times more cases than in recent years.
While exact Manatee County numbers aren’t publicly tracked for this bacterium (there’s no national or state mandate for reporting mild cases), local urgent cares and primary care offices like ours in Lakewood Ranch are diagnosing more patients with persistent respiratory symptoms consistent with walking pneumonia.
Symptoms to Watch For
Walking pneumonia gets its name because most people feel well enough to go about daily activities, even with an infection. Symptoms develop gradually over 1–4 weeks after exposure and can last for weeks:
Common in adults and older children:
- Persistent dry or productive cough (often worse at night)
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- Headache and body aches
- Fatigue that lingers
In younger children (under 5):
- Sneezing, stuffy/runny nose
- Wheezing or vomiting
- Diarrhea in some cases
Because symptoms overlap with flu, COVID-19, RSV, and even allergies, accurate testing is key — we offer rapid respiratory panels in-office to distinguish Mycoplasma from viruses.How It Spreads in Our CommunityThe bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, especially in close settings like:
- Schools in Lakewood Ranch and Manatee County districts
- Holiday gatherings and indoor events
- Offices and gyms
With cooler weather driving people indoors and Thanksgiving/Christmas travel on the horizon, now is the time to be proactive.
Prevention Tips for Lakewood Ranch Families
There’s no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but these steps go a long way:
- Frequent handwashing and covering coughs/sneezes
- Staying home when sick (even if you “feel okay” to walk around)
- Good ventilation in homes and classrooms
- Keeping up with flu and COVID vaccines — they won’t prevent walking pneumonia but reduce the risk of co-infections that make illness worse
Treatment: The Good News
Most cases resolve on their own in 2–4 weeks with rest and fluids. When antibiotics are needed (especially if symptoms are severe or prolonged), we prescribe macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin — which work well against Mycoplasma (unlike common penicillins such as amoxicillin). Early treatment shortens duration and reduces spread.
When to Seek Care at East County Internal Medicine
Don’t wait if:
- Cough lasts more than a week or worsens
- Fever exceeds 101°F or persists
- You have shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheezing
- Symptoms affect a young child, senior, or anyone with asthma/COPD/diabetes
We offer same-day appointments and targeted treatment plans.
Stay healthy this season, East County! For the most accurate and up-to-date contact information or to schedule, please visit our website at eastcountyim.com or check the Contact Us section directly.
Shaan Kunwar, DO
East County Internal Medicine
Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, FL
Tags: walking pneumonia Lakewood Ranch, Mycoplasma pneumoniae Manatee County, lingering cough Bradenton, respiratory illness Florida 2025, East County Internal Medicine
(This post is for educational purposes. Always consult your physician for personal medical advice.)