Pneumococcal Disease (Invasive)

Out of season. Winter respiratory season (November–April). activity expected.

What is it?

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae entering normally sterile body sites. NYS had 1,783 cases in 2024. S. pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia in both children and adults. Strong vaccines are available and have dramatically reduced childhood IPD since their introduction.

How it spreads

Spreads through respiratory droplets from close contact with an infected person or carrier. Most healthy people carry S. pneumoniae in their nose and throat without getting sick; invasive disease occurs when bacteria spread beyond the respiratory tract.

Symptoms

Meningitis: stiff neck, severe headache, fever, sensitivity to light, confusion. Bacteremia: fever, chills, severe illness. Pneumonia: fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain. Symptoms can progress rapidly, especially in older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

Who is at risk?

Infants and toddlers under 2, adults 65+, people with certain chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, asplenia), and immunocompromised individuals. Unvaccinated individuals are at much higher risk.

What you can do

Vaccine information

PCV20 (Prevnar 20) provides broad protection and is the preferred vaccine for adults 65+. Children receive a primary series of PCV15 or PCV20. Annual flu vaccine also reduces risk of secondary pneumococcal pneumonia.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.