Tetanus and its Treatment Outcome in Dar Es Salaam: Need for Male Vaccination

Objective: Tetanus is a life threatening infection relatively uncommon in developed Countries but occurs frequently in developing Countries with a high case fatality rate.A retrospective study for the period of twelve months (January-to- December 2004), twenty-two cases of tetanus were admitted in the intensive care unit (I.C.U) of Muhimbili National Hospital, which is the largest referral and teaching hospital situated in Dar-es-salaam.
Methods: All patients with clinical tetanus (regardless of their age and sex) admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU) at Muhimbili National referral hospital in Dar-es-salaam Tanzania.
Results: Among these patients, majority were males 91% and only two were females. Their age ranged between 20-40 years and no neonatal tetanus. Most of them died in I.C.U. (72.7%) after staying for about 1-10 days. Those who survived some stayed in hospital (I.C.U) for about 31 days. The nature of injury was cut wounds to the extremities in 40.9% and 18.2% the source of injury could not be established.
Conclusions: The National immunization program against tetanus is highly needed as a basis for prevention of tetanus to reduce morbidity and mortality among young, energetic male age group in Tanzania. The program puts more emphasis on children and women, it is high time the campaign involves young men who are the bread earners. This will also minimize costs of caring tetanus patients in the hospital. Apart from National campaign of immunization against tetanus health education is required in the general public in Dar-es-salaam on the early hygienic care of wounds to reduce the source of infection.