Pneumococcal Infection
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Pneumococcal Infection
Consult the health department before posting/distributing Parent/Guardian fact sheet.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium commonly found in the nose and throat (but is not the cause of strep throat) and is the most common cause of middle ear infections and sepsis (blood infection) in children. Rates of serious pneumococcal infections in children have decreased markedly since use of the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.
Cause
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ear infection can include fever, ear pain, pulling at the ear, behavior or appetite change, and sometimes ear redness or drainage.
More serious pneumococcal infections include lung infection (pneumonia), bloodstream infection (septicemia), and infection of the brain (meningitis).
Spread
Spread by touching secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected or colonized person and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Persons may “carry” pneumococcus in their nose or throat (also referred to as being colonized) meaning that the bacteria are present without causing illness. Spread may occur when a “carrier” of the pneumococcus bacteria coughs or sneezes the bacteria into the air and another person breathes them in.
Incubation
Varies by type of infection.
Contagious Period
Unknown.
Exclusion
None, if the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has a high fever or persistent ear pain.
Treatment
Pneumococcal infections are often treated with antibiotics.
Prevention/Control
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) should be given to all children at 2, 4, and 6 months, plus a booster at 12 to 15 months of age.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) should be given to children over the age of 2 who have certain high-risk conditions (e.g., a weakened immune system), adults 65 years of age and older, and those 19 years of age or older who are smokers or have asthma. A health care provider can determine the need for this vaccine.
- Unnecessary antibiotic use or not taking antibiotics as prescribed (not finishing the entire prescription or sharing the antibiotics with others) contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Pregnant women who have been exposed to someone with a pneumococcal infection should contact their health care provider and follow treatment guidelines.
- Do not expose children to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoke increases the risk for serious respiratory infections and middle ear infections.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a bacteria that can cause ear and lung infections.
If you think your child has a Pneumococcal Infection:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
No, if the child is healthy enough for routine activities
- Child Care and School:
Symptoms
Your child may have fever, ear pain, or pull on their ear. Sometimes there is ear drainage and redness. Your child may change behavior or eating habits.
Spread
- By coughing or sneezing.
- By touching secretions from the nose or mouth.
Contagious Period
Unknown.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If your child has a high fever or ear pain that does not stop. Antibiotics may be prescribed.
Prevention
- Ensure your child has received pneumococcal vaccine.
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect anything that comes in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills bacteria.
- DO NOT expose your child to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoke increases the risk for serious respiratory infections and middle ear infections.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.