HAEMOPHILIUS influenzae type b, or Hib, is not a disease itself, but bacteria that can lead to life-threatening illnesses.
It is the primary cause of bacterial meningitis that can kill or lead to brain damage.
Children between the ages of six months and four years are most vulnerable to infection. However, since routine immunisation was introduced more than a decade ago, those affected have decreased dramatically.
Symptoms of Hib infection are often similar to that of a cold or ear ache, and may progress to irritability, vomiting, sore throat, loss of appetite and fever.
However, scientists are investigating the possibility of vaccinating pregnant mothers to protect children during the first two months of their life.
HAEMOPHILIUS influenzae type b, or Hib, is not a disease itself, but bacteria that can lead to life-threatening illnesses.
It is the primary cause of bacterial meningitis that can kill or lead to brain damage.
Children between the ages of six months and four years are most vulnerable to infection. However, since routine immunisation was introduced more than a decade ago, those affected have decreased dramatically.
Symptoms of Hib infection are often similar to that of a cold or ear ache, and may progress to irritability, vomiting, sore throat, loss of appetite and fever.
However, scientists are investigating the possibility of vaccinating pregnant mothers to protect children during the first two months of their life.
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