What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae also called pneumococcus. It may cause pneumonia, meningitis or a blood stream infection (bacteremia).
Although anyone can get pneumococcal disease, it tends to occur in the elderly or in people with serious underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart or kidney disease. Others at risk include alcoholics, diabetics, people with weakened immune systems and those without a spleen. vHow is the disease transmitted?
The pneumococcus is spread by airborne or direct exposure to respiratory droplets from a person who is infected or carrying the bacteria?
Infections occur most often during the winter and early spring and less frequently during the summer.
The incubation period may vary but it is generally one to three days.
Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, cough, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath and occasionally stiff neck.
Doctors are able to diagnose pneumococcal disease based on the type of symptoms exhibited by the patient and specific laboratory cultures of sputum, blood or spinal fluid.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporin, is usually effective. However, penicillin-resistant strains of pneumococcus have occasionally been reported. They may require the use of other antibiotics such as vancomycin.
Yes. A reasonably effective vaccine has been available for a number of years. Although it is safe and inexpensive, it is underutilized. Patients in high-risk categories should ask their health care provider or local health department about pneumococcal vaccine.
Source: NY State Department of Health