Invasive pneumococcal infections are not reportable, except for pneumococcal meningitis or encephalitis cases that are reportable as bacterial meningitis or encephalitis cases.
Pneumococcal bacteria cause infections of the lung, middle ear, bloodstream, or lining of the brain (meningitis). About 10% of all patients with invasive pneumococcal disease die of their illness, but case-fatality rates are higher for the elderly and patients with certain underlying illnesses. Pneumococcal disease is spread by close contact with persons who are ill or who carry the bacteria in their nose or throat.
Vaccines are available for many common types of pneumococcal bacteria. These vaccines are recommended for infants, young children, adults 50 years and older, and persons ages 19–49 who are at high-risk for ;pneumococcal disease, because they smoke cigarettes, or have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or compromised immune systems.