The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in a midwestern metropolitan county

R B Rice1, A D Walling, K J Kallail

  • 1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichtita.

Insights

The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in children under five decreased significantly between 1979-82 and 1983-87 in a Kansas county. This study tracked pediatric meningitis rates, showing a notable decline in H. influenzae cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae meningitis was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young children.
  • Monitoring incidence rates is crucial for understanding disease burden and impact of interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of H. influenzae meningitis in children under five years of age.
  • To compare current incidence rates with historical data in a defined metropolitan county.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study design was employed.
  • Data were collected from hospital records within a metropolitan Kansas county.
  • The study period spanned from 1983 to 1987.

Main Results:

  • The mean annual incidence rate of H. influenzae meningitis was 26.0 per 100,000 children under five.
  • This represents a decrease from the previous period (1979-1982) with a mean rate of 56.0 per 100,000.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial decline in H. influenzae meningitis incidence was observed in the studied pediatric population.
  • Continued surveillance is important to track trends in pediatric meningitis.

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