Overview

• CIHI recorded 16,489 pneumonia visits in September 2024 versus 7,542 in September 2023, 24,242 versus 10,432 in October, and 28,308 versus 12,774 in November.
• Young people ages 5 to 19 experienced the largest increase in pneumonia-related emergency visits.
• Pneumonia rose to the No. 3 reason for ER care in 2024–25 after not appearing in the top 10 the previous year.
• CIHI estimates its dataset covers at least 89% of Canadian emergency departments, providing broad national coverage.
• Experts note walking pneumonia follows multi-year cycles of roughly three to seven years and advise vigilance this fall, with parents urged to seek care if cough, fever, or fatigue persist.