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![1888431940 Mother and Baby](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/mother-and-baby.jpg)
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon1.png)
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. 12 These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, ranging from serious diseases such as: pneumonia (infection of the lungs), meningitis (infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), and bacteremia/septicemia (infection of the blood stream) to milder but commoner infections such as otitis media (infection of the middle ear) and sinusitis (infection of the sinuses). 12
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon3.png)
How is it spread?
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon2.png)
Who is at risk?
Pneumococcal disease occurs around the world. 1 Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumococcal disease. 12 This high-risk group includes children younger than 2 years of age and adults 65 years of age or older. 12 The bacteria is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children younger than 5 years of age. 4
People who have conditions that weaken the immune system, like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and HIV/AIDS, or people who smoke cigarettes or have asthma are also at increased risk for getting pneumococcal disease. 2
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon4.png)
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the part of the body that is infected. 1 Symptoms may include:
- Pneumococcal pneumonia (infection of the lungs): fever and chills, cough, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing, chest pain. 6
- Pneumococcal meningitis (infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord): stiff neck, fever, headache, sensitivity to light, confusion. In babies, meningitis may cause poor eating and drinking, low alertness, and vomiting. 6
- Pneumococcal bacteremia/septicemia (infection of the blood stream): confusion/disorientation/low alertness, shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever/shivering/feeling very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin. 6 Septicemia is a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. 6
- Otitis media (infection of the middle ear): ear pain, red and swollen ear drum, fever, and sleepiness. 6
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon5.png)
How can you help protect your child?
- Practicing good hygiene and cleanliness by;
- Washing hands often with soap
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people who are sick can also help prevent pneumococcal disease. 1
- Vaccination can help protect against infectious disease
![icon1](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/icon6.png)
When should your child receive Vaccination for Pneumococcal disease?
- For details about the vaccination please talk to your Doctor
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2014. Traveler's Health - Pneumococcal Disease. [last accessed April 2019].
- World Health Organization (WHO). Wkly Epidemiol Rec 2019; 94(8): 85–104.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2017. Pneumococcal Disease - Risk Factors and Transmission. [last accessed April 2019].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2015. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. The Pink Book: 13th Edition - Chapter 17: Pneumococcal disease. Washington D.C. Public Health Foundation. [last accessed April 2019].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2018. Pneumococcal Disease in Adults and the Vaccines to Prevent It Factsheet. [last accessed April 2019].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2017. Pneumococcal Disease - Symptoms and Complications. [last accessed April 2019].
![HCP with a Baby](/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_LK/resources/pneumococcal-disease/dr-and-child-img.png)
Vaccine Guideline by Sri Lanka Medical Association
Learn more information about vaccine guideline published by the Sri Lanka Medical association