July 20, 2026 | Community Announcement

Tséhootsooí Medical Center Experiencing Increase in C. Pneumoniae Respiratory Infections

FORT DEFIANCE, AZ – Tséhootsooí Medical Center would like to share a health update and some recommendations to help everyone stay as healthy as possible this summer and into the fall school semester. Currently TMC is seeing an increase in bacterial illness called C. pneumoniae which causes respiratory tract infections. We want you to be aware, not alarmed. C. pneumoniae is typically mild, but its main symptom is a persistent cough that can, in some cases, lead to walking pneumonia.

If you have a cough or respiratory symptom that worsens or lasts for more than 7 days without improvement, please visit a medical provider for screening and proper treatment.

C. pneumoniae is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets that contain the bacteria. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent and avoid spreading C. pneumoniae and other illnesses such as:

• Wash or sanitize your hands often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Wear a mask if you feel sick
• Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Although there is no vaccine for C. pneumoniae, a general safe practice is to stay up to date with your immunizations to keep yourself healthy.

Learn more about C. pneumoniae here: https://www.cdc.gov/cpneumoniae/about/.

Events and clinics are subject to change. For updates and changes, please look at our Facebook or Instagram pages.

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