Emergency Visits for Pneumonia Surge in Canada by Over 100%

The number of emergency department visits for pneumonia in Canada more than doubled last fall compared to the previous year, according to data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Released on September 11, 2025, the report highlights a significant increase particularly among young individuals aged five to 19.

Tanya Khan, CIHI’s manager of hospital data advancement and engagement, noted, “This is actually the largest increase in pneumonia-related emergency department visits that we’ve seen post-COVID.” Pneumonia did not rank among the top ten reasons for emergency visits in 2023-24 but surged to the third position in 2024-25, following abdominal and pelvic pain, as well as throat and chest pain.

Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist based in Toronto, suggested that this rise in pneumonia cases likely reflects a surge in atypical pneumonia, commonly referred to as walking pneumonia, during last year’s respiratory illness season. Walking pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue. “A lot of people with this kind of pneumonia can get better on their own,” Banerji explained. Nonetheless, she cautioned that severe cases can lead to neurological symptoms and rashes, urging parents to seek medical attention for persistent symptoms in their children.

Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by a bacterium known as mycoplasma pneumoniae. If treatment is necessary, antibiotics from the macrolide class, including azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, are preferred over the more commonly prescribed amoxicillin. According to Banerji, “Mycoplasma bacteria doesn’t have the cell wall that antibiotics like amoxicillin attack, so that’s why amoxicillin and the penicillins don’t work for this kind of pneumonia.”

As the fall season approaches, concerns remain regarding the potential for a resurgence of walking pneumonia. Banerji highlighted that various respiratory viruses and bacterial infections increased following the end of COVID-19 precautions, such as masking. She referred to a particularly severe season for respiratory syncytial virus that resulted in high hospitalization rates among children a couple of years ago.

Shirley Quach, director of person-centred care and programs at the Lung Health Foundation, indicated that epidemiological data shows a cyclical pattern for walking pneumonia, with peaks occurring every three to seven years. “While last year could be the apex of the cycle, we should still be watching out for walking pneumonia this fall… irrespective of the cycle,” Quach stated in an email.

The onset of the school year often marks a time when respiratory illnesses begin to rise, as children spend more time indoors and in close proximity to one another. Quach noted, “That kind of proximity makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread through respiratory droplets, such as coughing and sneezing. People can be infected without symptoms and pass on the infection to those they interact with closely.”

The CIHI data reflects a staggering rise in emergency department visits for pneumonia across the country. In September 2023, there were 7,542 visits, which jumped to 16,489 in September 2024, marking a 119 percent increase. October 2023 saw 10,432 visits, while October 2024 recorded 24,242 visits, resulting in a 132 percent increase. In November 2023, there were 12,774 visits, escalating to 28,308 in November 2024, representing a 122 percent rise. CIHI estimates that its data encompasses at least 89 percent of emergency departments in Canada.

As the health community prepares for the upcoming respiratory season, vigilance regarding pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses will be crucial.