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Epidemiology of tetanus in Jamaica, 1993-2010
Hyacinth E Harding1, Shamir O Cawich2, Eric W Williams3
1Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Background:
Although tetanus is still endemic in Jamaica, the epidemiologic profile has not been evaluated.
Methods:
Admission registers at the main tertiary referral hospital were accessed to identify all patients diagnosed with tetanus from 1 January 1993 to 1 December 2010.
Results:
There were 26 cases of tetanus (annual incidence of 0.57 cases per 1,000,000 population). Tetanus was more common in men (5.2:1) at a mean age of 59 ± 18.1 years. Persons in high-risk occupations (farmers, gardeners and construction workers) accounted for 52% of cases.
Conclusions:
Tetanus remains endemic in Jamaica, occurring more commonly in elderly men. Doctors should be educated about the importance of a high index of suspicion, an immunisation history and promoting booster shots in high-risk groups.
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