Is Adult Tetanus an Endemic in India?

ABSTRACT

Background: Tetanus is a life-threatening disease in developing country like India, with high morbidity and mortality rate. Though maternal and neonatal tetanus is eliminated, adult tetanus still remains in boom and is overlooked. Methods: An observational descriptive study using retrospective secondary data was undertaken among the patients admitted to a regional referral hospital to study the epidemiological factors influencing tet-anus, clinical features and the outcome of tetanus. Results: Analysis of 41 clinically diagnosed cases of tetanus showed that, majority were in 50-69 years of age group who resided in rural area and agriculture was their main occupation. Case fatality rate was 53.6% which revealed that mortality was the major outcome. And 95% of those infected were not aware of their immunization status. Conclusion: An early diagnosis, a proper wound management immediately after the injury, health edu-cation programs to create awareness among the public not to neglect even trivial injuries would definite-ly lead India to the path of elimination of adult tetanus. Strong emphasis is to be laid on adult immuniza-tion beyond the age of 10 years.