Haemophilus influenzae Basics
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was once the most common cause of bacterial infection in children. Hib causes a variety of diseases including meningitis (inflammation of the coverings of the spinal column and brain), bacteremia (infection of the blood), and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Due to widespread use of Hib vaccine in children, few cases are reported each year. Non-type b disease occurs primarily among the elderly and adults with serious underlying diseases.
As part of the Emerging Infections Program, Active Bacterial
Core Surveillance Project (ABCs), population-based surveillance
of Haemophilus influenzae has been ongoing in Minnesota
since 1995.
What is Haemophilus influenzae?
- Haemophilus influenzae Disease: Commonly Asked Questions
Fact sheet about Haemophilus influenzae disease. Updated 1/22/2009.
- Haemophilus influenzae, type b (Hib)
Information about Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
