Occult bacteremia in the emergency department

The problem of occult bacteremia in infants and children has been reviewed. The condition is not uncommon and may occur in 3% to 10% of infants and children six months to two years of age who present with temperature greater than or equal to 38.3 C. Meningitis may complicate bacteremia in 4.5% to 8.5%, regardless of identification of a focus of infection. Early identification and proper therapy are essential and often incumbent on the emergency physician.