General Information
Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that can cause a variety of serious diseases, including sepsis (bloodstream infection), meningitis (inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia, and epiglottis (inflammation of and swelling of the cartilage that covers the windpipe).
There are many different strains or types of Haemophilus influenzae, including type b (Hib). Before the Hib vaccine, this was the most common cause of life-threatening infections in children younger than 5 years of age.
Other types or strains (non-type b) of Haemophilus influenzae can cause invasive disease similar to Hib, but generally occur among the elderly or among people with weakened immune systems.
- Haemophilus influenzae fact sheet, P-42050
- Hib vaccination – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Hib vaccine information statement (VIS)
- Public immunization record access
- Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) program (CDC)
- Hib information (CDC)
- Hib vaccine safety (CDC)
- Hib journal articles
Information for Providers
- This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I disease:
Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to the patient's local public health department upon identification of a confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Within 24 hours, submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F44151 (Word), or by other means. DHS Communicable Disease Reporting - Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01976 Haemophilus influenzae (PDF)
- Wisconsin Invasive Haemophilus influenzae management protocol, P-03245 (PDF)
- Wisconsin Invasive Haemophilus influenzae case investigation flowchart (PDF)
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical Testing Reference Manual
- Hib - In short
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations
- Hib photos
- Hib vaccine information statement
Contact Information
Wisconsin Local Health Departments – Regional offices – Tribal agencies