Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Disease
Reportable to local or state health department
Consult the health department before posting/distributing Parent/Guardian fact sheet.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can cause a number of serious illnesses. It is not related to influenza or “stomach flu”. The number of infections in children has dropped due to use of the Hib vaccine.
Cause
Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria.
Symptoms
- Meningitis - Unusual sleepiness, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, headache, irritability, lack of appetite.
- Cellulitis - A tender, rapid swelling of the skin, usually on the cheek or around the eye; may also have an ear infection on the same side; also a low-grade fever.
- Epiglottitis - Fever, trouble swallowing, tiredness, difficult and rapid breathing (often confused with viral croup, which is a milder infection and lasts longer).
- Pneumonia - Fever, cough, chest pains, difficulty breathing.
- Bacteremia - Sudden onset of fever, chills, tiredness, irritability.
- Arthritis - Swelling, redness, and loss of movement in the joints.
Children age 2 and under are most likely to develop these infections Invasive disease most commonly occurs in children who are too young to have completed their vaccination series.
Spread
When a person with Hib disease coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria spread through the air. Another person breathes them in. A person can also get infected from touching these secretions and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.
Incubation
Unknown; probably about 2 to 4 days from the time a person is exposed until symptoms begin.
Contagious Period
Until 24 to 48 hours after effective treatment begins.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until the child has been treated and is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider immediately if their child develops fever or any other symptoms. There are lab tests to detect Haemophilus.
Treatment
Hib disease can be treated with antibiotics. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent long-term sequelae or death.
Prevention/Control
- All infants should receive Hib vaccine as part of their routine vaccination schedule. All children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years who are in a licensed child care setting are required to have Hib vaccine or they must have a legal exemption.
- Public health officials will make recommendations if exposed persons need to receive antibiotics and/or vaccine.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into sleeve. Dispose of used tissues in the trash.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth or handling used tissues. Thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed toys, objects, and surfaces at least daily and when soiled (see Section 2).
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Haemophilus Influenzae Type b
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria can cause a number of serious illnesses. It is not related to influenza or “stomach flu”. Infection with Hib is extremely rare if your child has received the Hib vaccine.
If you think your child has Hib:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until the child has been treated and is healthy enough for routine activities.
- Child Care and School:
Symptoms
Your child may have a fever with any of these conditions.
Meningitis - Your child may be tired, fussy and not want to eat. They may also have a fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and headache.
Cellulitis - Look for swollen skin, usually on the cheek or around the eye. Your child may also have an ear infection on the same side.
Epiglottitis - Your child may be tired. It may be hard for your child to swallow and to breathe.
If your child has been infected, it may take 2 to 4 days for symptoms to start
Spread
- By sneezing or coughing.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth.
Contagious Period
Until 24 to 48 hours after effective treatment begins.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms of Hib. Your doctor may want to test for the bacteria and provide treatment.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect anything contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills bacteria.
- All children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years who are in a licensed child care setting must have Hib vaccine or a legal exemption.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.