U.S. Tetanus Cases Jump to 33 in 2025 From 18 as Vaccine Hesitancy Grows
Updated
Updated · Women's Health · Jun 17
U.S. Tetanus Cases Jump to 33 in 2025 From 18 as Vaccine Hesitancy Grows
1 articles · Updated · Women's Health · Jun 17
Summary
A JAMA viewpoint found U.S. tetanus cases rose to 33 in 2025 from 18 in 2023, a notable increase for a disease that has stayed below 40 cases annually since 2010.
Four recent pediatric cases involved unvaccinated children whose parents declined tetanus shots in the ER, underscoring researchers' warning that vaccine hesitancy is driving the uptick.
CDC data still show tetanus cases are down more than 95% from 1947, when vaccination became standard in childhood immunizations, but experts say even small increases are a red flag because the disease is largely preventable.
Tetanus remains severe despite its rarity: symptoms can appear within 3 to 21 days after exposure, about 1 in 10 U.S. cases are fatal, and recovery often requires prolonged ventilation and rehabilitation.