Pneumococcal Disease

The bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease are actually present in the body of up to 90% of healthy people, depending on the population and setting.³

By aerosol (breathing in the bacteria from the air), droplets (sneezing/coughing) or direct contact with the respiratory secretions, like saliva and mucus, of someone carrying the bacteria.^4,5 Usually, transmission requires frequent or prolonged close contact.⁴

It is possible to contract pneumococcal disease anywhere in the world, but it is more common in low- and middle-income countries. The disease is more common during winter and early spring in locations with four seasons and during the dry season in tropical climates.¹

There are many types of pneumococcal infections. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is infected.⁶

Infection in the lungs (pneumonia) can cause fever, chills, cough, breathing difficulty and chest pain.⁶ Pneumococcal meningitis occurs when bacteria infect the lining of the brain, which can cause headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion and sensitivity to light.⁶ An infection in the blood can lead to fever, chills and low alertness.⁶  Infection in the ear is associated with ear pain, swollen ear drum, fever and sleepiness.⁶ Finally, infection in the sinus is associated with headache, stuffy or runny nose, loss of the sense of smell, pain or pressure in the face, and mucus buildup in the back of the nose and throat.⁶

Most pneumococcal infections are mild. However, pneumococcal disease can result in long-term problems and, in severe cases, could be fatal.⁶

Pneumococcal pneumonia can result in infection around the lungs and into the chest cavity, inflammation of the heart, and obstruction of the airways.⁶ Pneumococcal meningitis can cause hearing loss and developmental delay an is the most likely to be fata, with 1 in 12 case in children and 1 in 6 cases in older adults causing death.⁶ Infection of the blood can lead to loss of limbs.⁶ Ear infections are more common and usually mild, and complications are rare following a pneumococcal sinus infection.⁶

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially after touching your face and before handling food⁷
• Coughing and sneezing into a tissue, and then disposing of it and washing your hands immediately⁷
• Not sharing cups or kitchen utensils with others⁷