[Tetanus in Poland in 2008]

Abstract

Number of cases of tetanus in Poland remains low. In 2008, 14 cases of tetanus (10 women and 4 men) were reported in Poland. All those cases were among people of age 60 or more. 7 deaths were reported. In 12 cases vaccination status was unknown. In 2 cases patients were unvaccinated. Post exposure anatoxine was applied only in 3 cases. 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.