A severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years. Hib disease can lead to Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglotittis (a severe throat infection), skin infections, and arthritis. Hib can be serious in children under age 1, but there is little risk of getting the disease after age 5.

Hib disease is most commonly contracted through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing).