Haemophilus influenzae - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2018

In 2018, 3 982 confirmed cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease were reported in the EU/EEA. The notification rate was 0.8 cases per 100 000 population, which is an increase compared to 2014 when it was 0.6. Age-specific rates were highest in infants under one year (4.0 cases per 100 000 population), followed by people aged 65 years and over (2.4 cases per 100 000 population). Serotyping data were available for 57% of confirmed cases. Non-capsulated strains caused 78% of cases overall and the majority of cases in all age groups. Serotype f was the most common capsulated serotype observed (9%). The H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) vaccination has led to a sustained reduction in serotype b infections. In 2018, 7% of cases with known serotype were caused by serotype b.