Rapidly fatal Haemophilus influenzae serotype f sepsis in a healthy child

A previously healthy 4-year-old child became acutely ill with vomiting and low-grade fever. The following day she suddenly became limp and unresponsive. She experienced acute septic shock and despite aggressive treatment died. Blood cultures grew ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae type f. There was no evidence of bacterial pneumonia or meningitis. To our knowledge, this represents the first case of fatal H. influenzae type f sepsis in a child without an identifiable focus or underlying predisposing condition. Despite the overwhelming success of the H. influenzae type b vaccine, physicians need to be aware of the potential for severe and fatal H. influenzae infections other than type b.