Atypical pneumonia cases are on the rise, says the Statens Serum Institut (SSI). Not to be confused with the common pneumonia that is caused by pneumococcus, atypical pneumonia is often caused by a different bacteria called mycoplasma. In the last seven weeks, between 28 and 73 cases have been reported weekly. Symptoms include a dry cough, headache, sore throat, and mild fever. They are expected to last up to four weeks. Although less serious than common pneumonia, the SSI has advised doctors to monitor patients who come in with respiratory infections or bronchitis, as ordinary penicillin will not work against atypical pneumonia and antibiotics are a common treatment option.
