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Pneumococcal disease is caused by gram positive, facultative anerobic bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia.  People with pneumococcal disease can spread the bacteria to others by coughing or sneezing.  In healthy carriers it stays in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity but in individuals with a weak immune system such as the elderly the bacterium may become pathogenic and spread to other locations to cause diseases such as community acquired pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis.  Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, stiff neck, and headaches.  It can be prevented by vaccination and frequent handwashing.  The treatment is antibiotic therapy.