A 6-month-old baby who was not vaccinated according to the routine schedule is being treated in the pediatric intensive care unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).

The baby arrived at the pediatric emergency department with a high fever and feeling generally unwell. A medical evaluation found that he had contracted Hib, a bacterium covered by the routine vaccination program. He was transferred to the ICU under the care of Dr. Jacques Brown. His condition is stable, he is fully conscious, and he is expected to continue his hospitalization in the children’s ward, headed by Prof. Orly Magad.

Dr. Amir Zilka, a senior physician in the pediatric ICU, said: “As soon as it was diagnosed that the baby was suffering from bacterial meningitis, he began receiving antibiotic treatment, and his condition was closely monitored.”

“Unfortunately, we encounter cases of potentially life-threatening illness that can be prevented with an effective and safe vaccine,” Dr. Zilka said. He explained that Hib can cause meningitis, bloodstream infection, including sepsis, and pneumonia. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, vomiting and confusion.

Dr. Zilka warned that “beyond the immediate and even life-threatening health risks, bacterial meningitis can have long-term effects on children’s health and neurological functioning.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)