What Are These Illnesses?

Pneumococcal Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis can cause serious and sometimes permanent disabilities including hearing loss, paralysis, mental retardation and even death. Symptoms include fever, lethargy or drowsiness, vomiting and stiff neck or legs.

Bacteraemia (sometimes referred to as 'blood poisoning') occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause infection of the blood. Bacteraemia can also develop into meningitis. Symptoms include fever, irritability and rapid breathing.

Pneumonia is also known as the inflammation of the lungs. Symptoms include cough, chest congestion, production of phlegm, fever and chills/shaking.

Otitis Media or Middle Ear infection can also result from infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, although there are several other causes of this illness. Symptoms include ear-ache, fever and frequent tugging of the ear.

These illnesses can emerge rapidly. Identifying symptoms early and acting quickly is vital.