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| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is
a bacterial infection that causes serious diseases in
young children. The bacteria are spread by direct contact with or inhalation
of
the secretions from an infected person's nose or mouth. In the early 1990s,
Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in Canada. Hib can
be prevented by a vaccine. Since the introduction of a new vaccine, in
1992,
the
number of cases in Canada has decreased by more than 70%. The National
Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all children
should
be immunized against Hib at 2, 4 and 6 months with a fourth dose at 18
months (NACI-Recommended
Childhood Vaccination Schedule, Canada). |
HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B
AGENT OF DISEASE
Hib is caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype b.
WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION
Occurrence is worldwide.
SYMPTOMS
Hib is most commonly associated with bacterial meningitis, but can also
cause pneumonia and inflammation of the skin, joints, bone, throat and heart.
Symptoms of meningitis develop 2 to 4 days after infection and include the
sudden onset of fever, sore throat, severe headache, stiff neck and back,
and sometimes breathing problems. In infants the soft part of the head (fontanelle)
may bulge. Long-term effects include permanent hearing loss, paralysis, seizures
and brain damage.
PERIOD OF COMMUNICABILITY
An infected person can transmit the infection as long as the bacteria are
present in the body. With effective antibiotic treatment, a person becomes
non-infectious within 24 to 48 hours.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED
The infection enters the body through the nose or mouth. The bacteria are
spread by respiratory droplets and by direct contact with discharges from
the nose and mouth of an infected person.
PREVENTION/CONTROL
Immunization of all children is recommended at 2, 4, and 6 months of age
with a fourth dose at 18 months of age (NACI-Recommended
Childhood Vaccination Schedule, Canada).
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