Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria
Mycoplasma can cause sore throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Mycoplasma is usually spread from person-to-person through
the air and by direct contact
Mycoplasma is found in the throat of infected persons
and is spread to other people through the air by sneezing
or coughing. It can also be spread by touching tissues
or other things recently soiled by secretions from the
nose or throat of an infected person.
People of any age can get Mycoplasma
Children under 5 years usually have mild symptoms or
no symptoms at all. The illness is recognized more in
school-age children and young adults. Occasionally, epidemics
can occur, especially in military populations and institutions
(colleges, for example) where people live in close quarters.
These occur more often in late summer or fall.
Symptoms to look for include:
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Cough, often in spasms
- Chest discomfort
- Sore throat
- Fever
Symptoms start from 6 to 32 days after exposure. The
illness can last from a few days to a month or more (especially
coughing). Complications do not happen often. No one knows
how long an infected person remains contagious, but it
is probably less than 20 days.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is usually diagnosed by
blood tests and x-ray of the chest
Treatment is available
The disease can be treated with antibiotics. While antibiotics
help an infected person to feel better faster, they do
not remove the bacteria from the throat. Mycoplasma can
remain in the throat for as long as 13 weeks.
Steps to take to prevent the spread of Mycoplasma
infection
- Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Use tissues when coughing, sneezing, and wiping or
blowing the nose and throw them away.
- Wash hands after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or
blowing the nose.
- Avoid crowded living and sleeping quarters whenever
possible.
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Maryland Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene
Office of Epidemiology and Disease Control Programs
May 2002 |
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