Emergency Department Visits for Pneumonia Surge in Canada

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reported a significant increase in emergency department visits for pneumonia, more than doubling from last year. In September 2024, the number of visits reached 16,489, up from 7,542 in the same month of 2023. This trend was particularly pronounced among young people aged five to 19 years, highlighting a concerning shift in respiratory health.

Data Highlights and Implications

According to CIHI, pneumonia visits were not among the top ten reasons for emergency department visits in 2023-24 but surged to the third position in 2024-25, following abdominal and pelvic pain and throat and chest pain. Tanya Khan, manager of hospital data advancement and engagement at CIHI, noted that this marks the largest increase in pneumonia-related visits observed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist based in Toronto, pointed out that the increase likely reflects a rise in cases of atypical pneumonia, often referred to as walking pneumonia. This form of pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms, including cough, fever, and fatigue. “Many individuals with walking pneumonia can recover on their own,” Banerji explained, although in some instances, it can escalate to more severe complications.

Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike typical pneumonia, which is often treated with antibiotics like amoxicillin, walking pneumonia requires macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, due to the unique structure of the bacteria.

Seasonal Trends and Future Considerations

Looking ahead, Dr. Banerji emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the potential resurgence of walking pneumonia this fall. The lifting of COVID-19 precautions, such as masking, has been associated with increased cases of various respiratory infections. “We witnessed a particularly severe season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) a couple of years ago,” she noted.

Shirley Quach, director of person-centred care and programs for the Lung Health Foundation, provided additional context regarding the cyclical nature of walking pneumonia cases, which tend to peak every three to seven years. “While last year might have marked a peak, vigilance is essential as we approach this fall,” Quach stated.

As students return to classrooms and people spend more time indoors, the likelihood of respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, increases due to closer proximity and the ease of transmission through respiratory droplets. Quach urged parents to seek medical attention for children experiencing persistent cough, fever, or fatigue.

The CIHI data illustrates the alarming rise in pneumonia visits: in October 2023, there were 10,432 visits, which surged to 24,242 in October 2024, marking a 132 percent increase. November figures also reflect this trend, with 12,774 visits in November 2023 rising to 28,308 in November 2024, a 122 percent increase. CIHI’s estimates indicate data coverage from at least 89 percent of emergency departments across Canada.

As the health community prepares for the upcoming respiratory season, ongoing monitoring and public awareness will be crucial in managing pneumonia and protecting vulnerable populations.

This article draws on data from CIHI and insights from health professionals, reinforcing the importance of understanding and responding to respiratory illness trends in the wake of the pandemic.