Haemophilus Influenzae

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.

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General Information

Additional Resources

For Health Professionals

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 (PDF)
Wisconsin Invasive Haemophilus influenzae case investigation flowchart (PDF)
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Clinical Testing Reference Manual
Hib - In short
ACIP recommendations
Hib photos
Hib vaccine information statement

Last Revised: March 23, 2021

Haemophilus Influenzae

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