Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Hospitalized Children - United States, 2018-2024.

In the United States, M. pneumoniae prevalence decreased during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the study period, an M. pneumoniae diagnostic code was listed in 11.5% of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia hospitalizations, peaking at 53.8% in July 2024.

The lowest occurred among those aged 12-23 months (6.4%) and 0-11 months (4.2%).

The increase in M. pneumoniae infections in the United States in 2024 might be higher than previous periodic increases because the susceptible population was larger after sustained low incidence during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic.