Unvaccinated six-month-old treated in Jerusalem intensive care for Hib meningitis

Doctors say a six-month-old baby is stable after developing potentially life-threatening bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, prompting renewed warnings about routine infant immunisation.

A six-month-old baby who had not been vaccinated on the routine schedule is being treated in the paediatric intensive care unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem after developing bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib. According to the hospital account, the child was brought to the paediatric emergency department with a high fever and general malaise before tests identified the infection.

Doctors said the baby was moved to intensive care under the care of Jacques Brown and is now stable, conscious and expected to continue treatment in the children’s ward, led by Orly Magad. The case has renewed attention on a bacterium that can cause meningitis, bloodstream infection, including sepsis, and pneumonia.

Amir Zilka, a senior physician in the paediatric intensive care unit, said the child began antibiotic treatment as soon as bacterial meningitis was diagnosed and was closely monitored. Speaking in the hospital report, Zilka said: “Unfortunately, we encounter cases of potentially life-threatening illness that can be prevented with an effective and safe vaccine.” He added that bacterial meningitis can have lasting effects on a child’s health and neurological development.

The warning comes as health authorities continue to stress the importance of Hib immunisation in early childhood. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for all children under the age of five, with doses typically starting at two months and continuing through infancy depending on the brand used. The agency says Hib vaccines are highly effective, with more than 95% of infants developing protective antibody levels after a complete primary series, and that serious side effects are uncommon.