What is the infectious agent that causes Hib disease?
Hib disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype b, a bacteria. Where is Hib disease found? The Hib bacteria is widespread in humans. Along with other bacteria, it usually lives in the throat and nose without causing illness. In some cases, though, the bacteria breaks through the body’s defenses and causes disease. How do people get Hib disease? Hib disease is spread through contact with discharges or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. Hib disease can spread from person to person through sneezing, coughing, or speaking closely with an infected person. A person does not have to have symptoms to spread the bacterium. What are the signs and symptoms of Hib disease? The most common and severe manifestation of Hib disease is meningitis (inflammation and swelling in the coverings of the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms of meningitis include fever, weakness, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Hib can also cause infection of the lungs, blood, joints, bones, throat, and co
