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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.
Abstract:
The incidence of H. influenzae meningitis in children under five years of age was monitored during the years 1983-87 by a retrospective study of records from all hospitals serving a metropolitan county in Kansas. The mean annual incidence rate for the five years studied was 26.0 per 100,000. This compares with a mean of 56.0 per 100,000 measured in the same county during 1979-82.
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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