A pediatric pneumonia outbreak has been reported in Warren County, Ohio, with the Warren County Health District (WCHD) recording 142 cases since August. This number exceeds the average number of childhood pneumonia cases seen in the county. According to a WCHD spokesperson, they do not believe this to be a new respiratory disease but rather a significant increase in pneumonia cases compared to what is typically seen at one time.

The Ohio Department of Health defines an outbreak as a situation where the reported number of cases is higher than expected during a non-epidemic period. Additionally, the outbreak must not be related to foodborne, waterborne, zoonotic, health care-associated, or institutional factors.

The most common symptoms of the pediatric pneumonia cases in Warren County include cough, fever, and fatigue, according to the WCHD. Cincinnati Children's Hospital in Mason, Ohio, has seen four patients who have received care for pneumonia, and the hospital has provided requested data to public health agencies.

Dr. Robert Frenck, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, acknowledged that having 140 cases in one county is higher than expected. However, he mentioned that outbreaks of viruses are not uncommon, as seen during the recent pandemic. Frenck also noted that every year, the hospital treats cases of children hospitalized for pneumonia related to infections such as RSV, influenza, or COVID-19. He encouraged people to get their flu vaccine as a precautionary measure.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, discussed several potential causes for the outbreak. He mentioned that the global spread of viruses, combined with lockdowns in 2022 leading to an "immune pause," may be contributing factors. Additionally, an increase in resistant mycoplasma, a bacteria typically treated with azithromycin in children, has been observed, resulting in more hospitalizations from pneumonia. Siegel also expressed concern about the underdiagnosis of RSV, adenovirus, flu, and strep infections. He added that there is currently an inadequate supply of amoxicillin to treat strep throat.

Treatment for pediatric pneumonia typically involves a course of antibiotics, with severe cases possibly requiring hospitalization. Fox News Digital reached out to the Ohio Department of Health, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and the Warren County Health District for further comments on the situation.

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