[Tetanus and traditional practices in Dakar (report of 141 cases)]

In this study undertaken in the Infectious Diseases department CHU Fann Dakar, between january 1982 and december 1990 the authors report their observations about 141 cases of tetanus occurred by traditional practices: circumcision, excision, tattooing, scarification, ears piercing. The annual incidence of tetanus occurred by traditional practices was 15.6 cases. It represents 3.6% of all tetanus cases during the study period (n = 3844). The circumcision represents 59.4% (n = 84), the ears piercing 34.4% (n = 48), excision 2.8% (n = 4), scarification 2.1% (n = 3) and tattooing 2 cases. The mortality of tetanus occurred by traditional practices was 8.5%. Health education, information and vaccination against tetanus for all ages according to WHO recommendations will help to eradiquate tetanus in developing countries.