U.S. Tetanus Cases Hit 38 in 2025, Highest Since 2006 as Vaccination Slips
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 24
U.S. Tetanus Cases Hit 38 in 2025, Highest Since 2006 as Vaccination Slips
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 24
Summary
Thirty-eight U.S. tetanus cases were reported in 2025, a 19-year high that experts tie to unvaccinated people, partial vaccination and missed 10-year booster doses.
CDC kindergarten data for 2024-25 showed declining coverage across all reported vaccines, including DTaP, reinforcing warnings that lower uptake could revive diseases long kept rare.
One in 10 tetanus cases are fatal, and the illness can trigger lockjaw, severe muscle spasms, breathing problems and fractures after bacteria enter through contaminated wounds.
Four unvaccinated children who developed tetanus in 2024 were hospitalized for eight to 45 days, underscoring that the disease remains entirely preventable but still present in soil and dust.