Doctors Alarmed by New Cases of Hib Amidst Vaccine Hesitancy
Recent reports indicate a resurgence of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), a potentially deadly bacterial infection, in the United States. Historically, Hib affected 20,000 children annually, causing severe illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis. The introduction of the Hib vaccine over three decades ago drastically reduced cases by more than 99%, with current annual cases numbering fewer than 50. However, recent hospitalizations of unvaccinated children in Florida and Tennessee have raised concerns among health experts about a potential comeback of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not reported an increase in preventable Hib infections, but experts warn that declining vaccination rates could lead to a resurgence. 
