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Pneumococcal disease
Description
Pneumococcal disease refers to a number of different types of infection due to the
bacteria called ‘the pneumococcus’ (also called Streptococcus pneumoniae). The
bacteria are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people and usually live
there harmlessly, especially in young children (up to 1 in 4 children in winter 42 ). It is
not known why the bacteria cause disease in some people and not in others. The
bacteria is spread in droplets shed from the mouth or nose through kissing or contact
with articles that have been contaminated with the infected droplets.
Pneumococcal disease occurs most commonly in children under the age of 2 years 43 .
In children less than 5 years of age, Pneumococcus is the most common bacterial
cause of otitis media (middle ear infection), pneumonia (lung infection), bacteraemia
(infection of the blood stream) and meningitis (a life threatening infection of the
lining of the brain) 44 . In children, severe pneumococcal disease (meningitis,
septicaemia) peaks at around 12 months of age but cases of meningitis may occur
from about 2 months of age 45 .
The symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend upon the site of the infection. The
symptoms are not exactly the same as meningococcal disease and a skin rash is not
common with pneumococcal disease. When the bacteria invade the blood stream the
disease can become a life-threatening condition.
Incubation period
Not well determined. It may be as short as 1-3 days 46 .
Infectious period
The person is infectious whilst nasal and mouth secretions still contain the
pneumococcal bacteria. People are no longer infectious 24-48 hours after
commencing an appropriate antibiotic.
Exclusion period
The child needs to be excluded until 48 hours after the commencement of an
appropriate antibiotic.
Responsibilities of child care providers/staff
Report the infection to the director.
Advise the parent the child needs to be excluded until 48 hours after the
commencement of an appropriate antibiotic. Even after this period of time, the child
should stay at home until they are feeling well.
Responsibilities of parents
The child needs to be excluded until 48 hours after the commencement of an
appropriate antibiotic. Even after this period of time, the child should stay at home
until they are feeling well.
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Draft for Public Consultation