Abstract
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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