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Case Reports
. 2023 Nov 4;23(1):760.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-023-08780-1.

Tetanus in a vaccinated soil expert - a case report

Olanrewaju Medu  1   2 , Nazlee Ogunyemi  3   4 , Maurice Hennink  3 , Shawn Mawer  5 , Theresa Styles-Mackinnon  5 , Alex Wong  6 , Charles Omosigho  7 , Tania Diener  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Tetanus in a vaccinated soil expert - a case report

Olanrewaju Medu et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Tetanus is a life-threatening vaccine-preventable disease found more commonly in tropical climates. It accounted for up to 60 deaths annually until the introduction of the tetanus toxoid. It is now rare in Canada by immunization. This study aims to describe a case of tetanus in Saskatchewan with possible occupational exposure.

Case report: We describe the case of a vaccinated soil expert with tetanus resulting from skin abrasions. This report highlights the early diagnosis, atypical presentation with possible vaccine attenuation and management approach, including acute care, intensive care unit referral, surgical management and physical rehabilitation. We also describe the public health management provided in this case. Despite the severity, the patient returned to his previous home environment with minimal motor sequelae.

Conclusion: Occupational exposure to tetanus is an important risk, even in regions where the disease is rare. Prevention through vaccination is a key public health intervention that must be encouraged to avoid health complications that are often fatal.

Keywords: Abrasion; Immunization; Occupational health; Tetanus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

References

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