A toddler with meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type B is admitted. Which isolation precaution should be planned?

A toddler with meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type B is admitted. Which isolation precaution should be planned?

• A. Contact precautions
• B. Airborne precautions
• C. Droplet precautions
• D. Standard precautions

Answer: (C)

Respiratory droplets transmit Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis, so the appropriate plan is droplet precautions. This means caregivers and health professionals should wear a mask when they are within about 3 feet of the child, the child should ideally be placed in a private room, and gloves and a gown are used as needed when touching the patient or their secretions. Eye protection is used if splashes or spray of respiratory secretions are anticipated. Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is essential. Standard precautions always apply, but because Hib meningitis spreads via droplets, extra droplet precautions are indicated beyond standard care. Typically, these precautions continue until about 24 hours after starting effective antibiotic therapy and the patient is clinically improving. Airborne precautions (for diseases like TB, measles, varicella) and contact precautions are not the appropriate level for this situation.

Respiratory droplets transmit Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis, so the appropriate plan is droplet precautions. This means caregivers and health professionals should wear a mask when they are within about 3 feet of the child, the child should ideally be placed in a private room, and gloves and a gown are used as needed when touching the patient or their secretions. Eye protection is used if splashes or spray of respiratory secretions are anticipated. Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is essential. Standard precautions always apply, but because Hib meningitis spreads via droplets, extra droplet precautions are indicated beyond standard care. Typically, these precautions continue until about 24 hours after starting effective antibiotic therapy and the patient is clinically improving. Airborne precautions (for diseases like TB, measles, varicella) and contact precautions are not the appropriate level for this situation.