Outbreak of community-acquired pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae--Colorado, 2000.

On May 18, 2000, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) was contacted by a family physician in Moffat County, Colorado (1998 population: 12,700), about a large number (>50) of community-acquired pneumonia cases diagnosed by chest radiograph in a group practice over several months. An investigation by state public health officials and CDC implicated Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the cause of illness. This report summarizes the results of the investigation and underscores the importance of investigating outbreaks of severe unexplained respiratory illness to enable implementation of appropriate treatment and control measures.