Spread of Haemophilus influenzae

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
• To determine the risk of severe secondary illness in household contacts of patients withHaemophilus influenzaemeningitis, telephone interviews were conducted with contacts of patients with reported cases. Four probable or proved secondary cases of severe disease were identified for a secondary attack rate of 0.4%. The secondary attack rate for household contacts of patients 2 years of age and younger was 4.9%. Until safe, effective prophylactic measures become available, physicians should explain to parents that any person who becomes ill in the month after a household case ofH influenzaemeningitis should be brought to the attention of a physician for appropriate evaluation and treatment. (Am J Dis Child132:757-759, 1978)