Haemophilus influenzae disease

Haemophilus Influenza disease (sometimes called H. flu), is caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. The bacteria are spread from person to person through droplets in the air when a person who has the disease coughs or sneezes. A person can have the bacteria in their nose and throat and never get sick, but they can pass the germs on to someone else. Haemophilus influenzae can cause many different kinds of illness like meningitis (inflammation of the coverings of the spinal cord and brain) and infections in the blood, lungs or joints.

Due to widespread use of the Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae serotype B) vaccine in children, very few cases are reported each year. Please see the vaccine information statement (VIS) below for more information.

Resources for Maine Residents:

• Haemophilus Influenza fact sheet (PDF) | (PDF) عربي | Français (PDF) | Lingala (PDF) | Português (PDF) | 中国人 (PDF) | Soomaali (PDF) | Español (PDF)
• Maine Immunization Program
• Hib Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
• For Questions or to report a disease call 1-800-821-5821 (24/7)

Reports and Publcations:

• Surveillance Reports for Haemophilus Influenza 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 (PDF)

External Links:

• Federal CDC Haemophilus Influenzae page