Warren County health officials said a “significant” number of pediatric pneumonia cases have been reported this fall. According to the Warren County Health District, 142 pediatric pneumonia cases have been reported since August, both higher than the county average. “We believe this is not a new respiratory disease, but rather a significant increase in the number of pneumonia cases typically seen at one time,” WCHD said in a press release. Health officials say they have found no definitive etiology or common thread linking the cases and are investigating possible associations and risk factors. The average age of pediatric pneumonia cases is 8 years old, officials said. The cases are spread across multiple school districts. “There was no definitive pattern in the children diagnosed,” the health district said in a press release. Officials say the most common symptoms include cough, fever and fatigue. WCHD says it is working with ODH, local children’s hospitals and primary care providers in hopes of identifying the cause and preventing further spread of the disease. ” Friends, please remember to take the necessary precautions to protect your health. Wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when you’re sick, and stay informed about vaccines,” WCHD said. Anyone with questions or who would like to report a case of pneumonia should contact the Warren County Health District at 513-695-2097.
Warren County health officials said a “significant” number of pediatric pneumonia cases were reported this fall.
The Warren County Health District says it has reported 142 cases of pediatric pneumonia since August, which is above the county average and meets the Ohio Department of Health’s definition of an outbreak.
“We believe this is not a new respiratory illness, but rather a significant increase in the number of pneumonia cases we would normally see at one time,” WCHD said in a press release.
Health officials said they have found no definitive etiology or common thread linking the cases and are investigating possible associations and risk factors.
Officials say the average age of pediatric pneumonia cases is 8 years old and cases are spread across multiple school districts.
“There was no definitive pattern among the children diagnosed,” the health district said in a press release.
Officials say the most common symptoms include cough, fever and fatigue.
WCHD said it is working with ODH, local children’s hospitals and primary care providers in hopes of identifying the cause and preventing further spread of the disease.
“As the holiday season approaches and many people will be gathering with family and friends, please take steps to protect your health by washing your hands, covering your cough, staying home when sick, and staying informed. “Please remember to take the necessary precautions when it comes to vaccines,” WCHD says.
If you have questions or would like to report a pneumonia case, please contact the Warren County Health District at 513-695-2097.
