[Tetanus in the geriatric population: is it a collective health problem?]

Tetanus is an infectious non-contagious disease caused by the bacillus Clostridium tetani, which penetrates in the organism through wounds. Psychomotor dysfunction facilitates accidents among elderly people and vaccinal coverage is low in this population, thus contributing to high lethality. This study aimed at reflecting on the situation faced by elderly people in relation to tetanus in the perspective of Collective Health. It is a Case Study conducted with two elderly males who had accidental tetanus and were hospitalized in a hospital in the municipality of Fortaleza. Data collection took place from March to April, 1998. The analysis showed the absence of vaccinal coverage as well as of the implementation of emergency prophylaxis. The two patients' conditions developed to death, which confirmed the high mortality due to tetanus in this age group. The critical reflection pointed out the urgency of a collective health approach.