Pneumococcal disease/Pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal disease is a name for infections caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria is also known as pneumococcus.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is often part of the normal bacteria that live in the upper respiratory tract. Sometimes these bacteria can cause infections, including:

Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Bloodstream infection
Middle ear and sinus infections

Invasive pneumococcal disease kills around 5,000 people in the U.S. each year, mostly those aged 65 or older. Pneumococcal meningitis is the only form of this disease that is reportable in North Carolina.

The Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease is a vaccine-preventable disease. The pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine protects you, your family and your community.

NC School and Child Care Immunization Requirements

Learn more about requirements for the Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) vaccine.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected.

Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, include:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Headache
- Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
- Stiff neck
In babies, meningitis may cause poor eating and drinking, low alertness, and vomiting.
Symptoms of pneumococcal bloodstream infection include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Low alertness
Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia, a lung infection, include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fever and chills
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Older adults may experience confusion or low alertness, rather than the more common symptoms listed above.

How it Spreads

Pneumococcal bacteria spreads when people cough, sneeze or share respiratory secretions. People can develop an infection after direct contact with these.

Complications

A person's risk of severe disease and complications can vary due to many factors.

Children under 5 years old and adults 65 years or older are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Serious infections can result in sepsis, long-term problems or death. Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency resulting from the body's extreme response to infection.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call a health care provider right away if you think you or your child might have a serious pneumococcal infection.

Learn more: About pneumococcal disease (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)