Childhood tetanus from snakebite in Warri: a ten-year retrospective review

Abstract

Background: Childhood tetanus from snakebite is a rare occurrence in Nigeria. It occurs more in adolescents and adults males. Aim: We report cases of tetanus in children following snakebite in Warri. Methods: Case notes of the children with tetanus from January 2000 to December 2009 at GN Chidren’s Clinic and Central Hospital Warri were used. Results: Only three cases were documented in 10 years and are presented below. Conclusion: Though tetanus from snakebites in children may be rare in our environment, there should be intensified efforts in eradicating the potentially fatal disease.

Key words: Tetanus, children, snakebites, Warri, Nigeria