Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, meningitis or a blood stream infection. The disease is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. The symptoms generally include a fever, shaking or chills. Other common symptoms may include headache, cough, chest pain, disorientation, shortness of breath, and stiff neck. Although anyone can be exposed, it occurs more frequently in infants, young children, African Americans, some Native American populations, and the elderly.