Characteristics Of Tetanus Cases Seen Over A Ten Year Period In A Tertiary Health Facility In Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Tetanus remains a great public health problem in developing sub-Saharan Africa and it is associated with high mortality. We evaluated the epidemiological characteristics and clinical profiles of tetanus cases seen in a tertiary health facility in Benin City, Nigeria between 1990 and 2000. All consecutive patients admitted in the Medical wards of the University Teaching Hospital, Benin City between 1990 and 2000 were recruited. It is a prospective study which analyzed all patients with tetanus within the study period. A total of 66 cases were admitted into the medical wards during this period, with a female preponderance (F/M = 1.4:1). The highest number of cases was in the age group 16-29 years. Majority was seen during the wet season and the commonest site of injuring was the lower limb. Injury from stepping on wood and cuts from cutlass accounted for most of the cases. The mean incubation period was 13.4+13.1 days and the mean onset time was 5.9+8.0 days. The mean duration of hospital stay was 21.8+13.3 days. The mortality rate was 27.4%. Severity of spasms, duration of hospital stay, incubation period, onset time, immunization status, socio-economic background and the type of initial care received affected mortality. Early diagnosis and emphasis on preventive strategies remain the bedrock of reduction of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Tetanus, Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, characteristics, mortality.

Journal of Mining and Geology Vol. 5 (1&2) 2006: pp. 44-51