What is Haemophilus influenzae type b disease?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease is a bacterial illness that may cause serious infections in young children, including meningitis (an infection of the coverings of the spinal cord and brain), blood infections, pneumonia, arthritis, and infections in other parts of the body. In some instances, Hib disease may cause death. What are the symptoms of Hib disease? Hib disease usually causes high fever, irritability, aching, tiredness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Because the bacteria can infect different parts of the body, other symptoms may occur. The incubation period for Hib disease is about 2-4 days. How is Hib disease spread? Hib disease is spread by contact with mucus or droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person, which can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes near someone else or someone touches objects contaminated with nose or throat drainage. Infected persons can spread Hib disease as long as the bacteria are present in the nose and throat,
