Haemophilus meningitis is caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus Influenzae serotype b which can cause meningitis.
Haemophilus Influenzae serotype b is a bacterium which is spread by:
- Droplet infection, discharges from nose and throat during the infective period.
- its portal of entry is generally the nasopharynx.
- can cause: cellulitis, empyema, epiglottitis, osteomyelitis, pericarditis, pneumonia, septic arthritis.
Incubation period
unknown, 2 - 4 days probably
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever Vomiting
- Headache Lethargy
- Bulging fontanelle in infants Progressive stupor or coma is common
- Stiff neck and back in older children
- Haemophilus Influwenzae can also cause pneumonia. Infact, in third world countries it is the second leading cause of bacterial pneumonia deaths in children.
Diagnosis
- Blood culture and sensitivity
- Lumbar puncture for Cerbrospinal fluid culture and sensitivity
Treatment
- Ceftriaxone or cefatoxime i.v.
- Corticosteroids may help prevent brain damage.
Control and Prevention
Routine childhood vaccination. Children over 2 months of age. (Child Immunisation Schedule)
Rifampicin should be given to:
- All household members irrespective of age where there is an index case of haemophilus disease, and a child less than 3 years, except pregnant women, breastfeeding women, any person with severe impairment of hepatic function and children under the age of 3 months.
- All room contacts where two or more cases of Hib disease have occurred in a play group, nursery or cresche with 120 days (exceptions as above).
- Index cases of Hib disease prior to discharge from hospital, except children under the age of 3 months.
- Monitor for cases occurring in susceptible population settings, ex: day care centres, cresche.
- Educate parents of a possibility for a second case in siblings of less than 4 years of especially if symptoms like headache, fever and stiff neck are present.