Air pollution linked to higher risk of pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis in South Africa, study finds

A South Africa study analyzing 59,000 invasive pneumococcal disease cases over 19 years shows air pollution can trigger and alter the timing of infections such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis, with different Streptococcus pneumoniae subtypes driving varying risk. Older adults and young children are most vulnerable during high-pollution periods, and improving air quality could reduce disease risk.