Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 168 and 188 together.

Haemophilus influenzae type B is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans, particularly in children, but also in individuals with a weakened immune system. Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria is one of six haemophilus types. It can cause several diseases such as otitis media, or bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia, epiglottitis septic arthritis, cellulitis and osteomyelitis. Known as Hib, it lives in the nose and throats of humans and is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with respiratory secretions. The bacteria may be carried around in the nose and throat for a short while or for several months without causing symptoms, in an asymptomatic carrier.

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