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</a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">H influenzae meningitis</h1>
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</noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p><a test="test" href="./000680.htm">Meningitis</a> is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.</p><p>Bacteria are one type of germ that can cause meningitis. <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> type b is one kind of bacteria that causes meningitis.</p><img title="Meninges of the brain" alt="Meninges of the brain" src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19080.jpg" class="img-e" itemprop="image"/></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Causes</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p><em>H influenzae</em> meningitis is caused by <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> type b bacteria. This illness is not the same as the flu (<a test="test" href="./000080.htm">influenza</a>), which is caused by a virus.</p><p>Before the Hib vaccine, <em>H influenzae</em> was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under age 5. Since the vaccine became available in the United States, this type of meningitis occurs much less often in children in the United States. </p><p><em>H influenzae</em> meningitis may occur after an upper respiratory infection. The infection usually spreads from the lungs and airways to the blood, then to the brain area.</p><p>Risk factors include:</p><ul><li>Attending day care</li><li><a test="test" href="./001289.htm">Cancer</a></li><li>Ear infection (<a test="test" href="./000638.htm">otitis media</a>) with <em>H influenzae</em> infection</li><li>Family member with an <em>H influenzae</em> infection</li><li>Native American race</li><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Older age</li><li>Sinus infection (<a test="test" href="./000647.htm">sinusitis</a>)</li><li>Sore throat (<a test="test" href="./000655.htm">pharyngitis</a>)</li><li>Upper respiratory infection</li><li>Weakened immune system </li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Symptoms</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>Symptoms usually come on quickly, and may include:</p><ul><li><a test="test" href="./003090.htm">Fever</a> and <a test="test" href="./003091.htm">chills</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003205.htm">Mental status changes</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003117.htm">Nausea and vomiting</a></li><li>Sensitivity to light (<a test="test" href="./003041.htm">photophobia</a>)</li><li>Severe <a test="test" href="./003024.htm">headache</a></li><li>Stiff neck (meningismus) </li></ul><p>Other symptoms that can occur include:</p><ul><li><a test="test" href="./003212.htm">Agitation</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003310.htm">Bulging fontanelles</a> in infants</li><li>Decreased consciousness</li><li>Poor feeding and irritability in children</li><li>Rapid breathing</li><li>Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backwards (<a test="test" href="./003195.htm">opisthotonos</a>)</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Exams and Tests</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Questions will focus on symptoms and possible exposure to someone who might have the same symptoms, such as a stiff neck and fever.</p><p>If the doctor thinks meningitis is possible, a lumbar puncture (<a test="test" href="./003428.htm">spinal tap</a>) is done to take a sample of spinal fluid for testing.</p><p>Other tests that may be done include:</p><ul><li><a test="test" href="./003744.htm">Blood culture</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003804.htm">Chest x-ray</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003786.htm">CT scan of the head</a></li><li>Gram stain or other special stains, and <a test="test" href="./003769.htm">culture of the spinal fluid</a></li></ul><img title="CSF cell count" alt="CSF cell count" src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/fullsize/9238.jpg" class="img-e" itemprop="image"/></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Treatment</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-4" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-4"><p>Antibiotics will be given as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. Ampicillin may sometimes be used.</p><p>Corticosteroids may be used to fight inflammation.</p><p>Unvaccinated people who are in close contact with someone who has <em>H influenzae</em> meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include:</p><ul><li>Household members</li><li>Roommates in dormitories</li><li>Those who come into close contact with an infected person</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Outlook (Prognosis)</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-5" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-5"><p>Meningitis is a dangerous infection and it can be deadly. The sooner it is treated, the better the chance for recovery. Young children and adults over age 50 have the highest risk for death.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Possible Complications</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-6" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-6"><p>Long-term complications may include:</p><ul><li>Brain damage</li><li>Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain (<a test="test" href="./001422.htm">subdural effusion</a>)</li><li>Buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling (<a test="test" href="./001571.htm">hydrocephalus</a>) </li><li><a test="test" href="./003044.htm">Hearing loss</a></li><li><a test="test" href="./003200.htm">Seizures</a></li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>When to Contact a Medical Professional</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-7" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-7"><p>Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms:</p><ul><li>
Feeding problems
</li><li>
High-pitched cry
</li><li>
Irritability
</li><li>
Persistent, unexplained fever
</li></ul><p>Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Prevention</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-8" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-8"><p>Infants and young children can be protected with the <a test="test" href="./007597.htm">Hib vaccine</a>.</p><p>Close contacts in the same household, school, or day care center should be watched for early signs of the disease as soon as the first person is diagnosed. All unvaccinated family members and close contacts of this person should begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread of the infection. Ask your provider about antibiotics during the first visit.</p><p>Always use good hygiene habits, such as washing hands before and after changing a diaper, and after using the bathroom.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Alternative Names</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Alt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Alt"><p><em>H. influenzae</em> meningitis; H. flu meningitis; <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em> type b meningitis</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Images</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-tnails" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/19080t.jpg" alt="Meninges of the brain" title="Meninges of the brain" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/19080.htm">Meninges of the brain</a></li>
<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/19088t.jpg" alt="Meninges of the spine" title="Meninges of the spine" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/19088.htm">Meninges of the spine</a></li>
<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/8679t.jpg" alt="Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system" title="Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/8679.htm">Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system</a></li>
<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/9238t.jpg" alt="CSF cell count" title="CSF cell count" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/9238.htm">CSF cell count</a></li>
<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/2930t.jpg" alt="Haemophilus influenzae organism" title="Haemophilus influenzae organism" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/2930.htm">Haemophilus influenzae organism</a></li>
<li><img src="//medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/tnails/1052t.jpg" alt="Haemophilus influenza organism" title="Haemophilus influenza organism" class="side-img"/><a href="../imagepages/1052.htm">Haemophilus influenza organism</a></li>
</ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Meningitis. About bacterial meningitis. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/bacterial-meningitis.html" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/meningitis/about/bacterial-meningitis.html</a>. Updated January 9, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024.</p><p>Nath A. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. <em>Goldman-Cecil Medicine</em>. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 384.</p><p>Hasbun R, Van de Beek D, Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR. Acute meningitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. <em>Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases</em>. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.</p></div></div></section>
<section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 9/10/2022</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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