People are at risk of developing klebsiella pneumonia if they are diabetic, chronic alcoholics or have an underlying lung disease. Those who are living in long-term care facilities or are currently hospitalized and breathing with mechanical ventilators are at even higher risk of developing a lung infection from Klebsiella. The sudden onset of fever, fast and shallow breathing and an increasing amount of secretions in the breathing tube may herald the occurrence of pneumonia. If the infection extends to the tissues lining the surface of the lungs, they may also experience chest pain.