Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) causes bacterial meningitis and other serious infections. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes and fluid that cover the brain and spinal cord. The germ was originally named
Haemophilus influenzae because it was incorrectly thought to cause influenza (the flu). To avoid confusion, the bacteria are commonly called Hib. Without treatment, all children with Hib meningitis die. Even with treatment, death occurs in about 1 out of 20 cases. About 1 in every 3 survivors has detectable brain damage.
The dramatic decreases in Hib infections are an immunization success story. While the risk is low in Canada, it is important to keep immunizations up to date.
The dramatic decreases in Hib infections are an immunization success story. While the risk is low in Canada, it is important to keep immunizations up to date.
Capsule History
Before 1985 – Hib was the most common form of bacterial meningitis in Canada. Every year, about 1500 cases of Hib meningitis occurred in children under 5 years of age. About one half of Hib infections occurred in children less than 18 months old. About 1 in every 300 Canadian children developed meningitis or other severe Hib infections by age 5.
1986
– The first vaccine, developed in Finland, was licensed in Canada. It
did not protect the majority of victims – children under 2 years of
age. Subsequent research led to improved versions of the vaccine which
were effective in young infants as well.
1996 – Thanks to routine immunization, the number of children admitted to hospitals with Hib infections decreased 98% compared to 1985 (8 cases versus 495 cases).
1996 – Thanks to routine immunization, the number of children admitted to hospitals with Hib infections decreased 98% compared to 1985 (8 cases versus 495 cases).