A rise in illnesses caused by a bacterial infection among children in Minnesota, including a fatal case of meningitis, may stem from a shortage of vaccine for the HiB bacteria, U.S. health officials said on Friday, according to Reuters. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the situation in Minnesota, where five children became gravely ill from HiB, may indicate that the bacteria is threatening more children because many have not received booster doses. Authorities are particularly concerned about bacterial meningitis caused by HiB (Haemophilus influenzae type B) in children. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
