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A few years ago, before the vaccine was introduced, this germ was the most frequent cause of life¬threatening infection in children under 5 years of age. It can cause meningitis (infection of the brain linings), epiglottitis (swelling of part of the throat, which obstructs breathing), pneumonia, joint infection or cellulitis (infection of the tissue under the skin). Symptoms of meningitis include fever, vomiting, headache, irritability, fitting and neck stiffness. Neck stiffness may be hard to identify.
The bacteria live in the throat. They are spread in respiratory secretions by direct person-to-person contact (for example, kissing), and by hands, mouthed toys etc. |
