7.3.2.3: Reporting Requirements for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Infections

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria that can cause infections in children. If a child has been diagnosed with a Hib infection, early care and education programs should:^1–2

• Report the Hib infection to the state, local, tribal, or territorial health department
• Work with the child care health consultant, if available, who can offer advice on notifying the health department and staff/families
• Communicate with staff and parents/guardians to inform them about the exposure. Programs should work with the health department or primary care providers
• for treatment and ways to control the spread of infection
• Check children exposed to Hib for fever or signs of illness, and refer them to medical care if symptoms develop

RATIONALE

Hib spreads from person to person by inhaling respiratory droplets or by direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., mucus).³ Programs must report Hib infections to public health departments. Infected children can spread the infection, and exposed children who develop fever or illness should see a health care provider. Children who have been exposed may need treatment with antibiotics or immunizations. All children in early care and education programs should receive all recommended age-appropriate Hib vaccines.¹

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.6.4.3 Notification of the Facility About Infectious Disease or Other Problems by Parents/Guardians
3.6.4.4 List of Excludable and Reportable Conditions for Parents/Guardians
7.2.0.1 Immunization Documentation
7.3.2.1 Immunization for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)
7.3.2.2 Informing Parents/Guardians of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB) Exposure
Appendix G: Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule

REFERENCES

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Section 3: Summaries of infectious diseases. In: Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH, eds. Red Book: 2021 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021:345-349.

2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide. Aronson SS, Shope TR, eds. 5th ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS): Haemophilus Influenzae, invasive disease. CDC.gov Web site. Last reviewed April 16, 2021. Accessed April 25, 2022. https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/haemophilus-influenzae-invasive-disease-2015/

NOTES

Content in the standard was modified on 7/05/2022.