[Tetanus in Poland in 2002]

In last decade gradual decrease in numbers of reported cases of tetanus was observed. In 2002, 20 cases of tetanus (12 women and 8 men) were reported in Poland. All those cases were among people of age 30 or more. Only one man more then 79 years old died. All cases were unvaccinated or vaccination status was unknown. The data show effectiveness of vaccination program in younger age groups, but they also show need for promotion of post exposure prophylaxis, especially among older people both in rural and in urban areas. No case of neonatal tetanus was noted in Poland since 1984.