Four US States Report 4 Pediatric Tetanus Cases as Vaccination Rates Decline
Updated
Updated · Букви · Jun 23
Four US States Report 4 Pediatric Tetanus Cases as Vaccination Rates Decline
2 articles · Updated · Букви · Jun 23
Summary
Four children in Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin developed generalized tetanus in 2024, and all were hospitalized for 8 to 45 days after not completing the primary vaccine series.
CDC data tie the resurgence risk to falling vaccination coverage for a disease that remains preventable but can turn minor contaminated wounds into severe neurologic illness.
402 US tetanus cases and 37 deaths were recorded from 2009 to 2023, with most patients needing intensive care and more than 40% requiring mechanical ventilation.
Five childhood doses starting at 2 months, a Tdap booster at ages 11 to 12, and adult boosters every 10 years remain the main protection, alongside prompt wound care and immune globulin when indicated.