During 1980-1990, incidence was 40-100/100,000 children < 5 years old in the United States. Due to routine use of the Hib conjugate vaccine since 1990, the incidence of invasive Hib disease has decreased to 1.3/100,000 children. However, Hib remains a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children in developing countries where vaccine is not widely used. 3%-6% of cases are fatal; up to 20% of surviving patients have permanent hearing loss or other long-term sequelae.

Cause

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b.

Risk Factors

Direct contact with respiratory droplets from nasopharyngeal carrier or case patient. Infants and young children, household contacts, and day-care classmates are the most at risk.

Symptoms

Before the availability of the Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccine in the United States and other industrialized countries, more than one-half of Hib cases presented as meningitis with fever, headache, and stiff neck. The remainder presented as cellulitis, arthritis, or sepsis. In developing countries, Hib is still a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia deaths in children.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by a medical practioner.

Treatment

Antibiotics.

Prevention

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccine

References

CDC