Many cases of pneumonia in the Netherlands are not caused by a single virus or bacteria local

The relatively high number of pneumonia cases in the Netherlands since last fall does not have one clearly identified cause. Most likely, several viruses and bacteria are responsible for this increase, according to laboratory research conducted by RIVM.

Between October of last year and January of this year, the institute examined a total of 132 samples taken from the nose and throat of patients. The number of children and young people among them was much greater than in previous years.

In the samples, the researchers found a lot of RS virus in the younger children. This is a known cause that can cause pneumonia. Haemophilus influenzae bacteria have also been frequently detected, both in young children and the elderly.

Slightly older children and young adults often carry Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. This has also caused an increase in the number of pneumonia cases in other European countries and in China.

It appears that the increase has already passed its peak. Although the number of infections was relatively high, it did not cause a significant increase in hospital admissions. Most patients can recover simply at home, with or without the help of antibiotics.