According to the CDC, cases of walking pneumonia in children are increasing sharply. Here are symptoms and signs to look out for in toddlers and children

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) — Walking pneumonia, a contagious form of pneumonia that doctors say has been almost absent during the pandemic, is back.

The CDC says cases of this pediatric disease are occurring in unusually high numbers, particularly in very young people, and therefore wants parents to be aware of their young children's symptoms.

Ten-month-old Nathan looks as healthy as he can be. His mother, Anahi Velasco, says they have managed to avoid illness so far.

“He didn’t really get sick. So if he gets sick, it will be bad. I’m a new mom, so everything is new to me,” Velasco said.

Now there's a new warning from the CDC about a worrying increase in so-called walking pneumonia. It is more noticeable in the very little ones than usual.

“It usually affects school-aged children, teenagers and young adults. “But this year we are starting to see this in a younger age group, 2 to 4 years old, which is not typically a mycoplasma pneumonia group,” said Dr. John Rodarte, a pediatrician at Huntington Health Physicians.

Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria can infect the lining of the respiratory tract. Rodarte said if it gets into the lungs, the alveoli can fill with fluid. This would lead to the following symptoms: coughing up mucous, fever, chills and difficulty breathing.

“Some people may have a very mild mycoplasma infection that you can get rid of without treatment with antibiotics. If it gets into the lungs, it causes the pneumonia, and then you often have to be treated with antibiotics,” he said.

For this reason, health authorities want parents and doctors to be aware of this type of pneumonia so that children can receive the right treatment if needed.

According to the CDC, they account for more than 7% of all emergency room visits among 2- to 17-year-olds.

“If your cough really persists and gets worse by the third week, it's probably time to get it checked out. Or at any time when it looks like you are short of breath or having difficulty breathing,” Rodarte said.

Doctors say we could see more cases as the holidays begin. Velasco said she will do everything she can to keep her baby away from sick children.

“Especially in the cold season I would try to go away for a bit,” she said.