dailyloe.com – A dangerous bacterial disease, once nearly eradicated, is threatening a return in the United States. This warning comes from medical professionals as vaccination rates for children decline. The disease is Haemophilus influenzae type b, commonly known as Hib.
Dr. Lara Johnson, a chief medical officer, bears a scar from a childhood Hib infection. She contracted the illness in 1980, seven years before a vaccine existed. Her airway closed, requiring an emergency tracheostomy to save her life.
Before the Hib vaccine’s introduction in 1987, about 20,000 U.S. children fell severely ill annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states many suffered permanent brain damage. Approximately 1,000 children died from Hib each year during that era.
Widespread vaccination successfully reduced annual Hib cases to fewer than 50. Many younger physicians have therefore never encountered a case. This success may be contributing to complacency among some parents today.
CDC data shows a concerning drop in vaccination coverage. The percentage of babies receiving all Hib shots fell from 78.8% in 2019 to 77.6% in 2021. This decline in immunization creates a vulnerability for the population.
Hib is a highly contagious and fast-moving bacterial infection. It primarily attacks babies and toddlers, causing severe illnesses like meningitis. The bacteria can also infect the blood, joints, and the epiglottis in the throat.
Infection of the epiglottis can cause life-threatening airway blockage. Dr. Johnson recalls her own experience with a high fever and choking sensation. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the disease’s pre-vaccine reality.
The medical community is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated. They emphasize that herd protection weakens as more children go unvaccinated. A resurgence of Hib could put an entire generation at risk.[]
Source: NBC News
