Tetanus in Poland in 2020-2022

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by *Clostridium tetani* bacteria, preventable only through vaccination.
• While rare in the EU, tetanus primarily affects individuals over 60 and is a significant concern in regions with low vaccination rates and poor sanitation.
• Poland mandates tetanus vaccinations for children and adolescents up to age 19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the epidemiological landscape of tetanus in Poland.
• To analyze tetanus incidence and trends from 2020 to 2022.

Main Methods:

• Data analysis of annual bulletins on infectious diseases and vaccinations in Poland for 2020-2022.
• Review of individual epidemiological reports from the 'Epibaza' system.

Main Results:

• Tetanus incidence in Poland was low: 2 cases in 2020, 5 in 2021, and 5 in 2022.
• Incidence rates (0.005-0.013 per 100,000) were below the 2015-2019 median (0.031).
• Cases were primarily in older adults; no cases were reported in individuals under 30.

Conclusions:

• A decrease in reported tetanus cases was observed in Poland during 2020-2022 compared to prior periods.
• Sporadic tetanus cases predominantly affect older age groups and adults under 60.
• The occurrence of tetanus cases in adults may be linked to a lack of booster vaccinations.