| 2023 Ohio pneumonia outbreak | |
| Map1: | Ohio in United States.svg |
| Disease: | Mycoplasma pneumonia |
| Location: | Ohio |
In late 2023, an outbreak of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred in Ohio in the United States, primarily affecting children.[1] Despite it occurring at around the same time, experts say that it is unrelated to the 2023 Chinese pneumonia outbreak.[2] The average age of children affected is eight years old, with some cases being as young as three.[1] As of December 1, 2023, investigation as to the cause is still ongoing.[3]
On November 30, Warren County, Ohio reported an unusually high number of pediatric pneumonia cases,[4] reporting 142 cases since August.[5]
On December 1, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Tom Frieden said that the outbreak could be the result of an "immunity gap" caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, leaving people more susceptible to infections by Influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19.[3]