What is pneumococcal disease?
It is a leading source of serious illness in children and adults. It is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
The most common types of illnesses caused by this bacteria include middle ear infections, pneumonia, blood stream infections, sinus infections and meningitis.
How does it spread?
The bacteria spreads from contact between people, mostly through secretions from the nose and mouth of an infected person. The bacteria may be present without causing any illness.
How serious is pneumococcal disease?
It can result in hearing loss, brain damage, severe disability, paralysis, mental retardation and even death.
Who is most likely to get it?
· Young children are more likely than older children or adults to get it.
· Children younger than 2 years of age who are attending childcare centres or kindergartens.
· Children with certain illnesses, such as sickle cell disease, those with suppressed immune deficiency or chronic renal diseases are also at higher risk.
· The elderly and anyone with impaired immune systems or with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart or kidney diseases are also at higher risk.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually develop within 1 to 3 days and can include: Chills, fever, pain around the chest area, cough and ‘rusty’ looking phlegm.
Fever, headache, sensitivity to light and loss of alertness may also be experienced.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed using a number of tests including cultures of blood, sputum or spinal fluid.
How is the disease treated? Can it be prevented?
It can be treated with antibiotics. However, vaccination is the best prevention against the disease.