Clear and present danger: in childhood meningitis. The importance of Hib immunisation in infancy and high-risk groups.
The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) invasive disease has declined significantly in the United Kingdom since the introduction of routine Hib immunisation. However life-threatening Hib infections such as meningitis and epiglottitis may still occur, especially in the unimmunised and immigrant children. A case of Hib meningitis is a reminder that the threat of invasive Hib disease has not been totally eliminated. Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis (including Hib meningitis) is essential to prevent death and serious neurological sequelae. Health visitors play a vital role in encouraging parents to have their children immunised without any avoidable delays and in providing reliable information as necessary to back up this advice. Enquiring about immunisation status of all children new to a practice and addressing any omissions, should be routine; immigrant children (and their parents) may be particularly vulnerable and more likely to be inadequately immunised.
Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
Siba Prosad
SP
Paul
Lilias Susan
LS
Lamont
D002675:Child, Preschool; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines