Pneumococcal Disease

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria are commonly found in the nose and throat. A small proportion of infected people can develop a serious form of illness, such as pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), or a bloodstream infection (septicemia).

Who gets pneumococcal disease?

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease. Unvaccinated children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk.

How is pneumococcal disease spread?

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria are spread from person to person through direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus.

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease?

Symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the part of the body that's infected. Generally, the symptoms are similar to other bacterial infections in that part of the body. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include chest pain, cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Older adults may experience confusion or low alertness, rather than the more common pneumonia symptoms. Pneumococcal meningitis is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. In babies, meningitis may cause poor eating and drinking, low alertness, and vomiting. Symptoms of pneumococcal septicemia include fever, chills, and low alertness.

How soon after exposure do symptoms of pneumococcal disease appear?

The incubation period may vary, but it is generally 1 to 3 days after exposure.

How is pneumococcal disease diagnosed?

Laboratory tests on samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid are needed to confirm diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis or pneumococcal septicemia. Healthcare providers can use a urine test to help make a diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults.

What is the treatment for pneumococcal disease?

Healthcare providers use antibiotics to treat pneumococcal disease.

Do people who have been in contact with someone with pneumococcal disease need to be tested and treated?

Contacts of individuals with pneumococcal disease should be tested if they develop pneumococcal disease symptoms.

How can pneumococcal disease be prevented?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for people based on their age or if they have certain risk conditions (e.g., CSF leak, cochlear implant, immunocompromising conditions).

Children:

• All children younger than 5 years old
• Children 5 through 18 years with certain risk conditions

Adults:

• Adults 50 years of age and older
• Adults 19 through 49 years old with certain risk conditions

Consult with a doctor or local health department to determine if the vaccine is recommended for you.

Good hygiene can reduce the risk of infection as well, such as hand washing, covering noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing, and not sharing cigarettes, vapes, lipstick, straws, cups, drinking glasses, toothbrushes, or eating utensils.

When and for how long is a person able to spread pneumococcal disease?

The contagious period varies and may last for as long as the bacteria is present in the nose and throat. A person can no longer spread S. pneumoniae after taking the appropriate antibiotics for 1–2 days.

How can I get more information about pneumococcal disease?

• If you have concerns about pneumococcal disease, contact a healthcare provider.
• Contact your local health department. You can find your local health department at vdh.virginia.gov/health-department-locator/.
• Visit the CDC page on pneumococcal disease at cdc.gov/pneumococcal/ for more information.
• Visit the CDC page on pneumococcal vaccination at cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html for more information.