Temporal Clustering of Mycoplasma pneumoniae –Associated Encephalitis and Stroke, South Korea, 2024

Key Points

• Encephalitis and stroke cases increased during the Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemic, with 17 cases observed.
• The epidemic involved 12 pediatric cases of encephalitis and 5 of stroke, a notable temporal clustering unlike prior years.
• Analysis identified a distinct pattern of illness clustering, potentially indicative of postpandemic clinical changes.
• These findings emphasize the importance of neurologic surveillance to address emerging health concerns during epidemics.