Emergency Visits for Pneumonia Surge Among Young Canadians

The number of emergency department visits for pneumonia in Canada has more than doubled from the previous year, particularly affecting young people aged five to 19. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), data released on September 11, 2025, highlights a significant rise in pneumonia cases during the fall months.

The increase marks the largest post-COVID surge in pneumonia-related emergency visits. Tanya Khan, CIHI’s manager of hospital data advancement and engagement, noted that pneumonia rose from not being among the top ten reasons for ER visits in 2023-24 to the third leading cause in 2024-25, following abdominal and pelvic pain, and throat and chest pain.

The spike in cases is believed to be linked to an influx of patients suffering from atypical pneumonia, often referred to as walking pneumonia. Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist based in Toronto, explained that this form of pneumonia tends to produce milder symptoms, such as cough, fever, and fatigue. While many individuals recover on their own, some cases can escalate and lead to more serious complications, including neurological symptoms and rashes.

Parents are advised to seek medical attention if their children experience persistent cough, fever, or fatigue. Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae. Treatment, when necessary, typically involves antibiotics from the macrolides class, including azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin, rather than the more commonly used amoxicillin.

Dr. Banerji pointed out that the recurrence of walking pneumonia remains uncertain as the fall season approaches. She noted that the cessation of COVID-19 precautions, such as masking, has led to an uptick in various respiratory illnesses. This includes a particularly severe season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that resulted in numerous hospitalizations among children.

Epidemiological trends indicate that walking pneumonia cases follow a cyclical pattern, peaking every three to seven years. Shirley Quach, director of person-centred care and programs for the Lung Health Foundation, emphasized that while last year may have represented a peak, vigilance is necessary this fall irrespective of historical patterns.

As autumn approaches, respiratory illnesses often increase due to individuals congregating indoors and children returning to school. Quach explained that closer proximity facilitates the spread of infections through respiratory droplets generated by coughing and sneezing. Asymptomatic individuals can unknowingly transmit infections to those around them.

The CIHI reported a staggering increase in emergency department visits for pneumonia, with numbers rising from 7,542 in September 2023 to 16,489 in September 2024—an increase of 119 percent. October 2023 saw 10,432 visits, escalating to 24,242 in October 2024, demonstrating a 132 percent rise. November figures reflect a similar trend, with visits increasing from 12,774 in November 2023 to 28,308 in November 2024, marking a 122 percent increase.

CIHI’s data is based on reports from at least 89 percent of emergency departments across Canada, underscoring the need for continued monitoring of pneumonia cases as public health officials prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season.