Background and methods: In the Western world, Haemophilus influenzae type b is an important cause of morbidity and long-term disability in children. The availability of vaccines capable of preventing H. influenzae type b disease in very young infants stimulated this longitudinal observational review of the epidemiology of H. influenzae type b meningitis in Israel, based on cases reported to the Ministry of Health in the decade 1981-90.
Results: In the last decade, H. influenzae type b accounted for 884 cases of meningitis, making it the main cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Almost all cases were in children under the age of 5 years, the great majority under 18 months. Age-standardized incidence rates were the same in Jews and in non-Jews, and in both sectors incidence was slightly higher in males than in females. The case fatality rate was 3.3%.
Conclusions: The new Haemophilus b conjugate vaccines are reported to be safe, effective at an early age, and compatible with current vaccination schedules. Their availability means that control of invasive disease caused by this organism is within reach. Use of the vaccines in infants should be encouraged and their effect on morbidity patterns should be closely monitored.