Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)
Hib Fact Sheet
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Hib is caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae serotype b.
Hib may cause a variety of illnesses, such as meningitis (inflammation
of the lining of the spinal column and brain) and epiglottitis (an
infection and swelling of the epiglottis in the throat, causing
life-threatening difficulty in breathing).
Other illnesses caused by Hib include blood stream infections,
pneumonia, arthritis, and infections of other parts of the body. Hib
disease manifests itself most commonly as meningitis. When Hib
meningitis occurs, many of those who recover may suffer long-lasting
neurological problems.
This bacteria is only found in humans.
Prior to 1988 when the Hib vaccine was introduced, Hib was one of the most
predominant causes of serious bacterial infection in
young children, especially in children under five years of age.
The incidence of invasive HIB disease in infants and young children
has decreased by 99% to fewer than one case per 100,000 children under
the age of 5. Hib remains an important pathogen in developing countries
where routine vaccines are not available to most of the population.
A vaccine has been available since 1988. Vaccine is given in a series
of 3 to 4 injections, depending on the age of the child when the vaccine
is started. |
