Prevention of Tetanus

Tetanus is a severe, acute, and often fatal infection caused by an extremely potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. It is a non-contagious infection that can be prevented by vaccination. Due to the widespread use of tetanus vaccination, the disease has become rare in industrialized countries. In France, cases and deaths have declined sharply over the past fifty years, though the disease has not disappeared entirely. Currently, the annual incidence averages 0.30 to 0.50 cases per million inhabitants. Incidence rates calculated by age and sex show significant differences, with higher rates among women and among people aged 70 and older. The severity of tetanus leads to prolonged hospitalization in intensive care and a case-fatality rate of 25% to 30%.

Author(s): Antona D, Renault P

Publishing year: 2007

Pages: 211-6

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