The Dylan McNeil Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity dedicated to advancing research, awareness and support for Pnuemococcal Meningitis.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria and viruses.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the bacteria that causes Pnuemococcal Meningitis. Many people, including up to 60% of children, carry pneumococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat, and pass them around by coughing, sneezing and close contact. Most of the time this is completely harmless. But in a susceptible person, the bacteria can cause a wide range of disease - from fairly minor bronchitis, ear and sinus infections, to life-threatening pneumonia, septicaemia, and meningitis. Sometimes, pneumococcal meningitis can develop from more minor forms of the infection such as earache.

Serious pneumococcal infections can occur throughout life, but children under 2 years old and the elderly are at highest risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1.6 million people—including more than 800,000 children under 5 years old—die every year from pneumococcal infections. In the United States, about 6,000 cases of Pneumococcal Meningitis are reported each year.

Vaccines are the only way to prevent meningitis. Currently, it is recommended for children under the age of 2 years old, to recieve a Pnuemococcal vaccine. There are over 90 serotypes (strains). The current vaccine given to our children cover 13 (Prevnar13).