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Communicable Diseases Agency

Pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Last updated 5 September 2025

What is pneumococcal disease? 

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria can cause many types of infections. Pneumococcal disease occurs worldwide.

How is Pneumococcal Disease transmitted?

Pneumococcal disease is primarily transmitted through direct deposition of infectious respiratory particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces, such as when a person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

The incubation period typically ranges from 1 to 3 days.

What are the symptoms of pneumococcal disease? 

Pneumococcal infections can range from mild illness (e.g. ear infection, sinus infection) to severe (e.g. lung infection or infection of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord).

Symptoms of pneumococcal infection depend on the site of infection and includes the following:

  • Ear infection: ear pain, fever, sleepiness, red and swollen ear drum

  • Sinus infection: nasal congestion, nasal discharge, cough, facial pain, headache

  • Pneumonia (lung infection): chest pain, cough, fever and chills, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord): confusion, fever, headache, abnormal sensitivity to light (photophobia), neck stiffness

  • Bacteraemia (bloodstream infection): chills, fever, low alertness

Pneumococcal infection can lead to complications, including multiple organ failure, which can lead to death.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for severe pneumococcal infections include: 

  • Children under 2 years of age.

  • Persons over 65 years of age.

  • Persons with suppressed immune systems from cancer or medical treatment.

  • Persons with chronic lung, heart, kidney or other conditions.

  • Persons who have had their spleen removed or a non-functioning spleen.

  • Persons who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

How is pneumococcal disease treated?

Patients are typically given antibiotics to treat pneumococcal infection.

How to prevent pneumococcal disease?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pneumococcal disease.  Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).

Other preventive measures:

  • Practise good personal hygiene at all times.

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing.

  • Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid sharing of food/drinks or eating utensils.

  • Wear a mask and seeking medical attention promptly when unwell.

Please refer to Health advice for travellers for additional precautions to take when travelling.