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Health Department

10/04/24: Public Health Education Topic: Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Per CDC:

Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus.


Key points

  • Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

  • Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but certain people are at increased risk.

  • Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against pneumococcal disease.


Types

S. pneumoniae bacteria can cause many types of infections, including:

  • Pneumonia (lung infection)

  • Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)

  • Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

  • Otitis media (middle ear infection)

  • Sinusitis (sinus infection)


How it spreads

People spread pneumococcal bacteria to others through direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus.


Prevention

People can get pneumococcal disease more than once.

Healthcare providers generally don't prescribe antibiotics after exposure to help prevent someone from getting a pneumococcal infection.

However, there are steps people can take to help protect themselves.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for

  • All children younger than 5 years old

  • People 5 through 64 years old with certain risk conditions

  • Adults 65 years or older




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