Reducing the Risk: An Evidence-Based Approach to the Febrile Infant

Abstract

Fever is the most common complaint for children of all ages who present to an emergency department (ED) for evaluation and treatment. Although most children with fever have a self-limiting viral illness, the infant less than 60 days of age with fever poses a higher risk for an underlying serious bacterial illness (SBI) including urinary tract infections, bacteremia and bacterial meningitis, or an invasive bacterial infection (IBI) including bacteremia. This case is a discussion of a high-risk febrile infant that was evaluated in the emergency department and was ultimately diagnosed with Streptococcus B meningitis. This case emphasizes the importance of heightened vigilance in this high-risk age group for the risk of infection. To prevent mortality and long term morbidities that may result from inadequate treatment or delayed diagnosis and treatment, it is critical to know and strictly adhere to the clinical practice guidelines.