title: Epidemiology of tetanus in Jamaica, 1993-2010.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although tetanus is still endemic in Jamaica, the epidemiologic profile has not been evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Admission registers at the main tertiary referral hospital were accessed to identify all patients diagnosed with tetanus from 1 January 1993 to 1 December 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 26 cases of tetanus (annual incidence of 0.57 cases per 1,000,000 population). Tetanus was more common in men (5.2:1) at a mean age of 59 ± 18.1 years. Persons in high-risk occupations (farmers, gardeners and construction workers) accounted for 52% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tetanus remains endemic in Jamaica, occurring more commonly in elderly men. Doctors should be educated about the importance of a high index of suspicion, an immunisation history and promoting booster shots in high-risk groups.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
authors.forename: Hyacinth E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.affiliation: Consultant Surgeon, Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad & Tobago socawich@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Shamir O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Cawich
authors.affiliation: Consultant Emergency Room Physician, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Consultant Neurosurgeon, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
authors.forename: Ivor W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Crandon
authors.affiliation: Consultant Emergency Room Physician, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Williams-Johnson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007563:Jamaica / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D062606:Tertiary Care Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013742:Tetanus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Jamaica; Tetanus; developing country; mortality; prevention; prophylaxis