Severe mycoplasma epidemic sweeps across Finland with 4,500 reported cases this year

A severe mycoplasma epidemic is currently sweeping across Finland, marking the worst outbreak in years. According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), nearly 4,500 mycoplasma cases have been reported this year alone. In previous years, infections numbered only in the hundreds, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, annual cases were below 2,000.

Mycoplasma bacteria cause respiratory infections and their increased prevalence has contributed to a significant rise in pneumonia cases. This trend is particularly evident in the South Ostrobothnia welfare region. “In September and October, we have seen a notable increase in pneumonia cases, including among young people,” says Elina Kärnä, an infectious disease specialist in the region. So far this year, they have registered 251 mycoplasma cases, reaching levels comparable to 2011, but currently, it is the most severe outbreak in many years.

Similarly, Silvia Grönroos-Pada, the chief physician of infectious diseases in the Ostrobothnia region, supports this finding, noting about 200 tested cases. Before the pandemic, approximately 100 cases annually were typical at this point in the year.

In addition to mycoplasma, other pathogens are contributing to the health crisis, including COVID-19, adenovirus, and whooping cough. In some severe instances, individuals have been found with multiple pathogens. “We are definitely seeing an impact in our clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient care,” adds Kärnä.

This year, adenovirus has been particularly prevalent in military barracks, spreading among recruits and to their families. Notably, a challenging strain, adenovirus type 7, has emerged, leading to pneumonia cases that require hospitalization.