Tetanus Cases in America 2025
The United States continues to document sporadic yet serious tetanus cases throughout 2025, with the disease remaining a significant public health concern despite widespread vaccination availability. Through November 2024, 30 tetanus cases were reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, representing a notable increase from the 15 total cases reported in 2023. This doubling of cases signals concerning trends in vaccination gaps and highlights vulnerabilities among specific population groups. Tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, produces a potent neurotoxin that leads to painful muscle spasms, lockjaw, and potentially fatal complications requiring intensive care treatment.
The disease burden of tetanus in the US 2025 reflects decades of successful vaccination programs that have reduced cases by more than 95% since 1947 when national reporting began. However, the persistence of cases among unvaccinated and inadequately vaccinated populations demonstrates that tetanus elimination remains an ongoing challenge. Since 2010, fewer than 40 cases have been reported annually, with deaths averaging approximately 2 per year. The case-fatality rate stands at 13.2%, making tetanus one of the most lethal vaccine-preventable diseases. High-risk populations include adults aged 65 years and older, individuals with diabetes, injection drug users, and foreign-born individuals from countries with lower immunization rates.
Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics Regarding Tetanus in the US 2025
| Key Tetanus Facts in the US 2025 | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Annual Cases (Since 2010) | Less than 40 cases per year |
| Cases Reported (2024) | 30 cases through November |
| Cases Reported (2023) | 15 total cases |
| 2013-2022 Total Cases | 267 cases |
| 2013-2022 Total Deaths | 13 deaths |
| Average Annual Deaths | 2 deaths per year |
| Case-Fatality Rate | 13.2% overall |
| Case-Fatality Rate (65+ years) | 31.3% |
| Decline Since 1947 | 95% reduction in cases |
| Deaths Decline Since 1900s | 99% reduction |
| Incubation Period | 3-21 days (average 8 days) |
| Recovery Period | Weeks to months |
| Vaccination Coverage (DTP3) | 94% of one-year-olds (2023) |
| Unvaccinated Patients | 40.2% received no vaccine doses |
| Diabetes Prevalence | 10% of all cases, 17% of deaths |
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), Manual for Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 2025
The tetanus statistics for 2025 reveal a concerning resurgence after years of historically low case counts. The 30 cases documented through November 2024 represent a 100% increase compared to the entire previous year, suggesting potential gaps in vaccination coverage or increased exposure among vulnerable populations. Analysis of the decade from 2013 through 2022 shows 267 total tetanus cases were reported across the United States, with 13 deaths occurring during this period. This translates to approximately 27 cases annually on average, though year-to-year variations exist with ranges from 19 to 40 cases reported in different years throughout the 2000s.
The mortality data underscores the severity of tetanus infections in specific populations. The overall case-fatality rate of 13.2% rises dramatically to 31.3% among adults aged 65 years and older, reflecting this age group’s increased vulnerability to severe complications. From the 2013-2022 surveillance period, individuals with diabetes accounted for 10% of all reported tetanus cases but represented a disproportionate 17% of all deaths, with a 44% mortality rate among diabetic patients. The vaccination status of cases reveals critical prevention failures, as 40.2% of patients for whom vaccination history was available had received no doses of tetanus toxoid vaccine. This unvaccinated subset represents the primary at-risk population that could be protected through routine immunization.
Annual Burden of Tetanus in the US 2025
| Health Impact Category | Annual Statistics | Affected Demographics |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Cases | 29 cases | All age groups |
| Cases Since 2010 | Less than 40 per year | Declining trend |
| Annual Deaths | 2 deaths | Primarily elderly |
| Hospitalization Rate | 100% of symptomatic cases | ICU admission required |
| Average ICU Stay | 3-5 weeks | Severe cases |
| Ventilator Duration | Days to weeks | Respiratory support |
| Complete Recovery Time | Several months | Long-term rehabilitation |
| Geographic Distribution | 45 states (2001-2008) | Nationwide sporadic cases |
| Top 5 Reporting States | California, Florida, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania | 51.5% of cases |
| Incidence Rate (Overall) | 0.10 per 1 million population | Extremely rare |
| Incidence Rate (65+ years) | 0.23 per 1 million population | Double overall rate |
Data Source: CDC Tetanus Surveillance Reports, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Bacterial Diseases, 2025
The annual burden of tetanus in the US 2025 remains modest in absolute numbers but represents significant morbidity for affected individuals and healthcare systems. Every symptomatic tetanus case requires hospitalization, typically in intensive care units where patients receive round-the-clock monitoring and treatment for muscle spasms, respiratory compromise, and autonomic instability. The average hospital stay extends 3 to 5 weeks for severe cases, with some patients requiring mechanical ventilation for extended periods. This intensive resource utilization places substantial demands on critical care capacity and generates significant healthcare costs, with treatment often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient.
Geographic analysis from the 2001-2008 surveillance period demonstrates that tetanus cases were reported from 45 states, indicating widespread but sporadic occurrence across the nation. Five states accounted for 51.5% of all cases during this timeframe: California with 60 cases, Florida with 25 cases, Texas with 12 cases, New York with 12 cases, and Pennsylvania with 11 cases. The national incidence rate of 0.10 cases per 1 million population reflects the success of vaccination programs in maintaining herd protection. However, the incidence rate among persons aged 65 years and older reaches 0.23 per 1 million, more than double the overall population rate, highlighting age-related vulnerabilities in immunity maintenance.
Case Demographics and Risk Factors in the US 2025
| Demographic Category | Percentage of Cases | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65+ Years | Highest incidence | 31.3% mortality rate |
| Age 80+ Years | Increased risk | Waning immunity |
| Diabetes Patients | 15.4% of cases | 44% mortality among diabetics |
| Injection Drug Users | 15.3% of cases | 9% of 2013-2022 cases |
| Hispanic Ethnicity | Nearly 2x incidence | Higher IDU rates |
| Foreign-Born Individuals | Elevated risk | Lower vaccination rates |
| Unvaccinated Status | 40.2% no vaccine doses | Primary risk factor |
| Incomplete Primary Series | Significant proportion | Inadequate protection |
| Missed Booster Shots | Common | Waning immunity after 10 years |
| Immunocompromised Patients | Increased susceptibility | Multiple risk factors |
Data Source: CDC Tetanus Surveillance United States 2001-2008, Chapter 16 Tetanus Manual for Surveillance, Medscape Tetanus Overview, 2025
The demographic profile of tetanus cases in the US 2025 reveals distinct patterns of vulnerability across population subgroups. Adults aged 65 years and older face the highest incidence rates and bear the greatest mortality burden, with a case-fatality rate exceeding 31%. This elevated risk stems from multiple factors including waning immunity from childhood vaccination, missed decennial booster doses, and age-related physiological changes that reduce baseline fluid reserves and immune responses. Individuals aged 80 years and older represent an especially high-risk subset with dramatically increased susceptibility to severe disease and death.
Patients with diabetes comprised 15.4% of all reported tetanus cases from 2001-2008 and accounted for 10% of cases from 2013-2022, yet represented a disproportionate 17% of deaths during the latter period. The mortality rate among diabetic patients reaches 44%, compared to 28% in nondiabetic patients, reflecting diabetes-related immune dysfunction, higher prevalence of chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Injection drug users accounted for 15.3% of cases from 2001-2008 and 9% from 2013-2022, with heroin users at particularly high risk due to subcutaneous injection practices and contamination of drugs with substances that support Clostridium tetani growth. Hispanic individuals demonstrated nearly twice the incidence of non-Hispanic persons, primarily attributable to higher rates of injection drug use in this population.
Wound Types and Transmission Routes in the US 2025
| Entry Point Category | Percentage of Cases | Examples and Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Wounds | 76% of cases | Primary transmission route |
| Puncture Wounds | Most common | Nails, needles, splinters |
| Lacerations | Frequent | Cuts from tools, glass, metal |
| Crush Injuries | Significant risk | Devitalized tissue |
| Burns and Frostbite | Elevated risk | Damaged skin barrier |
| Chronic Wounds | 16% of cases | Diabetic ulcers, gangrene |
| Diabetic Foot Wounds | Up to 25% | Major risk factor |
| Surgical Wounds | Rare | Post-operative infections |
| No Identified Wound | 9.4% of cases | 14 of 22 were drug users |
| Animal Bites | Documented cases | Contaminated with soil/saliva |
Data Source: CDC Tetanus Surveillance, Tetanus Reporting Guidelines, Mediterranean Journal of Infection, Clinical Guidance for Wound Management, 2025
Wound characteristics play a critical role in tetanus risk assessment and prevention strategies. Acute wounds account for 76% of all tetanus cases, with puncture wounds representing the most common entry point for Clostridium tetani spores. Puncture wounds from nails, needles, and other sharp objects create ideal anaerobic conditions in deep tissue where tetanus spores can germinate and produce toxin. Lacerations from contaminated tools, broken glass, or metal objects frequently result in tetanus when wounds contain dirt, soil, feces, or saliva. Crush injuries carry elevated risk due to extensive tissue devitalization that creates oxygen-poor environments conducive to bacterial growth.
Chronic wounds comprised 16% of reported tetanus cases, with diabetic foot wounds representing a major transmission pathway accounting for up to 25% of all tetanus infections in North American studies. These long-standing ulcers and areas of gangrene provide prolonged exposure opportunities for environmental spores to enter the body. Remarkably, 9.4% of tetanus cases between 2001-2008 occurred without any identified wound or injury, with 14 of these 22 cases involving injection drug users who likely had unrecognized microtrauma from needle use. Healthcare providers must maintain high clinical suspicion even when obvious wounds are absent, particularly in high-risk populations.
Vaccination Coverage and Immunity Gaps in the US 2025
| Vaccination Metric | Coverage Rate | Target Population |
|---|---|---|
| DTP3 Coverage (1-Year-Olds) | 94% nationwide (2023) | Infants |
| DTaP Coverage (Kindergartners) | 92.1% (2024-2025) | School-age children |
| Adolescent Tdap Coverage | Variable by state | Ages 13-17 |
| Adult Booster Compliance | Suboptimal | Every 10 years |
| Vaccination Exemptions | 3.6% of kindergartners | Rising trend |
| States with >5% Exemptions | 17 states | Geographic disparities |
| Zero-Dose Children Globally | 14.3 million (2024) | International concern |
| Incomplete Primary Series | Significant proportion | Protection failure |
| Elderly Vaccination Rates | Low compliance | Waning immunity |
| High-Risk Group Coverage | Inadequate | Diabetics, drug users |
Data Source: CDC SchoolVaxView, WHO Immunization Coverage, UNICEF Vaccination Data, Vaccination Coverage Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis, 2025
Vaccination coverage for tetanus in the United States remains strong among infants and young children but reveals concerning gaps in certain populations and geographic areas. In 2023, 94% of one-year-olds received the recommended three doses of the combined diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine, maintaining near-target levels for infant protection. However, the 2024-2025 school year saw DTaP coverage among kindergartners decline to 92.1%, representing a decrease from the previous year and falling below the 95% threshold recommended for optimal community immunity.
Vaccination exemptions have risen to 3.6% of kindergartners nationwide in the 2024-2025 school year, up from 3.3% the year before, with 17 states reporting exemption rates exceeding 5%. These geographic pockets of under-vaccination create vulnerabilities where vaccine-preventable diseases can circulate. Adult booster compliance remains suboptimal, as evidenced by the 40.2% of tetanus patients who had received no vaccine doses and the high proportion of elderly cases reflecting waning immunity from childhood vaccination without adequate decennial boosters. Healthcare providers must prioritize vaccination assessment and administration for high-risk groups including adults aged 65 years and older, individuals with diabetes, and injection drug users who face elevated tetanus risks.
Clinical Manifestations of Tetanus in the US 2025
| Symptom Category | Frequency | Clinical Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lockjaw (Trismus) | Initial symptom | Jaw muscle spasm and rigidity |
| Muscle Rigidity | Nearly universal | Neck, back, abdomen involvement |
| Generalized Spasms | 81% of cases | Painful muscle contractions |
| Opisthotonus | Severe cases | Arched back posture |
| Dysphagia | Common | Difficulty swallowing |
| Laryngospasm | Life-threatening | Vocal cord spasm |
| Respiratory Failure | Major complication | Requires mechanical ventilation |
| Autonomic Dysfunction | Severe tetanus | Hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias |
| Fever and Sweating | Autonomic symptoms | Profuse perspiration |
| Fractures | Severe spasms | Vertebral compression fractures |
Data Source: CDC Clinical Features of Tetanus, Intensive Care Management Review, Tetanus Recognition and Management Guidelines, StatPearls Tetanus Overview, 2025
The clinical presentation of tetanus follows a characteristic progression that begins with localized symptoms and can advance to life-threatening generalized disease. Lockjaw, or trismus, represents the initial and most recognizable sign in the majority of cases, occurring when tetanus toxin affects the jaw muscles and prevents normal mouth opening. This symptom typically develops 3 to 21 days after exposure, with an average incubation period of 8 days. The muscle stiffness usually initially involves the jaw and neck muscles before progressing in a descending pattern to affect the trunk and extremities.
Generalized tetanus occurred in 81% of US cases from 1998-2000, characterized by severe, painful muscle contractions affecting multiple body regions simultaneously. These spasms can be spontaneous or triggered by minor stimuli such as noise, light, or touch. Opisthotonus, a dramatic arched posture where the head and heels bend backward while the body bows forward, develops in severe cases from simultaneous contraction of back and abdominal muscles. Laryngospasm represents one of the most dangerous complications, causing sudden closure of the vocal cords that can lead to complete airway obstruction and respiratory arrest. Autonomic dysfunction occurs in severe tetanus, producing labile hypertension, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, profuse sweating, and urinary retention. These autonomic disturbances remain difficult to manage and represent a major cause of mortality even with intensive care treatment.
Treatment Protocols for Tetanus in the US 2025
| Treatment Component | Standard Approach | Dosing and Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Human Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) | 500 IU single dose | Neutralizes circulating toxin |
| Therapeutic TIG | 3,000-6,000 IU for severe cases | Intramuscular administration |
| Metronidazole | 500 mg every 6 hours | 7-10 days IV |
| Penicillin G | 100,000-200,000 units/kg/day | Alternative antibiotic |
| Benzodiazepines (Diazepam) | 0.2-1 mg/kg/hour | Spasm control |
| Magnesium Sulfate | Variable dosing | Autonomic stabilization |
| Neuromuscular Blockers | As needed | Refractory spasms |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Duration varies | Respiratory support |
| Tracheostomy | Early consideration | Airway protection |
| ICU Admission | 100% of symptomatic cases | Critical care monitoring |
Data Source: CDC Clinical Care of Tetanus, Medscape Treatment and Management, Pharmacological Management Evidence Review, Intensive Care Management Guidelines, 2025
Treatment of tetanus requires immediate hospitalization in an intensive care unit with a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach addressing toxin neutralization, bacterial eradication, symptom management, and supportive care. Human tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) administration represents the cornerstone of treatment, with a single dose of 500 IU appearing as effective as larger doses while causing less discomfort. TIG binds and neutralizes circulating tetanus toxin, preventing further disease progression, though it cannot reverse the effects of toxin already bound to nerve tissue. For severe generalized tetanus, therapeutic doses of 3,000 to 6,000 IU are recommended by some experts, though optimal dosing remains debated.
Antimicrobial therapy with either metronidazole (500 mg every 6 hours) or penicillin G (100,000-200,000 units/kg/day in divided doses) for 7-10 days eradicates Clostridium tetani bacteria at the wound site and prevents further toxin production. Many clinicians favor metronidazole due to theoretical concerns about penicillin’s potential GABA receptor inhibition. Benzodiazepines, particularly diazepam in large doses (0.2-1 mg/kg/hour), serve as first-line agents for controlling muscle rigidity and spasms through GABA enhancement. Magnesium sulfate infusions help manage autonomic instability and reduce catecholamine release, though optimal dosing protocols require further study. Patients with severe disease often require neuromuscular blocking agents and mechanical ventilation for days to weeks, with early tracheostomy recommended to prevent aspiration and facilitate prolonged ventilatory support.
Wound Management and Prevention in the US 2025
| Wound Management Step | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Wound Cleaning | Immediate thorough cleaning | Removes spores and debris |
| Debridement | Remove all devitalized tissue | Eliminates anaerobic environment |
| Irrigation | Copious saline or antiseptic | Mechanical spore removal |
| Foreign Body Removal | Complete extraction | Prevents bacterial growth |
| Tetanus Vaccination | Assess and administer | Depends on history and wound type |
| TIG Prophylaxis | 250 IU if indicated | High-risk wounds |
| Clean Minor Wounds | Td if >10 years since last dose | Lower risk category |
| Dirty/Major Wounds | Td if >5 years since last dose | Higher risk category |
| Unknown Vaccination History | Both Td and TIG | Presumed unprotected |
| NO Antibiotic Prophylaxis | Not recommended | Ineffective for prevention |
Data Source: CDC Clinical Guidance for Wound Management to Prevent Tetanus, Tetanus Reporting and Investigation Guideline, Washington State Department of Health, 2025
Wound management represents a critical opportunity for tetanus prevention in healthcare settings. All wounds, regardless of appearance, should receive immediate and thorough cleaning with soap and water or antiseptic solutions. Surgical debridement of devitalized, necrotic tissue is essential for wounds with significant tissue injury, as dead tissue creates the anaerobic conditions necessary for Clostridium tetani spore germination and toxin production. Healthcare providers must remove all foreign material including dirt, wood splinters, metal fragments, and other debris that may harbor tetanus spores.
Tetanus vaccination and TIG prophylaxis decisions depend on both wound characteristics and the patient’s vaccination history. Wounds are categorized as either clean and minor (posing lower risk) or dirty and major (posing higher risk). The latter category includes wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, soil, or saliva; puncture wounds; avulsions; and wounds from missiles, crushing, burns, or frostbite. For clean minor wounds, tetanus toxoid vaccine is indicated only if more than 10 years have elapsed since the last dose. For dirty or major wounds, vaccination is warranted if more than 5 years have passed. Patients with unknown or incomplete vaccination history should receive both tetanus toxoid vaccine and 250 IU of TIG intramuscularly at separate sites. Critically, topical or systemic antibiotics are NOT recommended solely for tetanus prophylaxis, as they provide no meaningful protection against this toxin-mediated disease.
Long-Term Outcomes and Recovery in the US 2025
| Recovery Parameter | Timeline | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| ICU Length of Stay | 3-5 weeks | Severe cases |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Days to weeks | Respiratory support duration |
| Spasm Resolution | 1-2 weeks after onset | Gradual improvement |
| Complete Recovery | Several months | Extended rehabilitation |
| Neurological Sequelae | Possible | Long-term nerve damage |
| Discharge to Home | 65% of survivors | Favorable outcome |
| Discharge to Facility | 35% of survivors | Continued care needs |
| Return to Baseline | 61% at 4 years | Good recovery potential |
| Mortality Rate (Overall) | 13.2% | Preventable deaths |
| Mortality Rate (Elderly) | 31.3% | Highest risk group |
Data Source: Tetanus Recognition and Management PMC Review, Japanese Case Series Data, French Cohort Studies, StatPearls Tetanus Recovery, 2025
Recovery from tetanus is a prolonged process requiring weeks to months of intensive medical care and rehabilitation. The ICU length of stay averages 3 to 5 weeks for severe cases, though some patients require even longer hospitalizations. Mechanical ventilation duration varies from days to weeks depending on disease severity, with the median duration in specialized high-volume centers reaching approximately 2-3 weeks. Patients must be weaned gradually from ventilatory support as muscle control returns and spasms diminish. The muscle spasms typically continue to worsen over the first 7-10 days despite treatment, as toxin that has already entered motor neurons continues to reach the central nervous system.
Long-term outcome studies reveal that 65% of tetanus survivors are discharged directly home, while 35% require discharge to rehabilitation facilities or long-term care settings for continued recovery support. A French cohort study found that 61% of ICU survivors had no lasting disability after a median follow-up of almost 4 years, highlighting the good recovery potential even in elderly, comorbid patients. However, some survivors experience persistent neurological sequelae, behavioral changes, or intellectual abnormalities, particularly among neonatal tetanus cases. The overall mortality rate of 13.2% and elderly mortality rate of 31.3% underscore the continued lethality of this vaccine-preventable disease, emphasizing the critical importance of prevention through vaccination.
Economic and Healthcare System Impact in the US 2025
| Cost Category | Estimated Impact | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ICU Daily Cost | $3,000-$10,000+ per day | Intensive monitoring and treatment |
| Average Hospital Stay | 3-5 weeks | Extended hospitalization |
| Total Treatment Cost Per Case | $100,000-$500,000+ | Varies by severity |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Significant cost driver | Days to weeks duration |
| Medications | Substantial expense | TIG, antibiotics, sedatives |
| Long-Term Rehabilitation | Variable costs | Post-discharge recovery |
| Lost Productivity | Months of disability | Employment impact |
| Vaccine Cost (Prevention) | Less than $50 | Highly cost-effective |
| Cost-Effectiveness Ratio | Vaccines save millions | Prevention vs. treatment |
| Healthcare Resource Burden | ICU bed utilization | Critical care capacity |
Data Source: Economic Analysis Healthcare Utilization, Tetanus Cost Studies, CDC Vaccine Economics, Intensive Care Medicine Resource Data, 2025
The economic impact of tetanus in the United States extends far beyond the modest annual case counts, as each infection generates substantial healthcare costs and resource utilization. ICU care for tetanus patients costs between $3,000 and $10,000+ per day, depending on the intensity of interventions required including mechanical ventilation, continuous monitoring, specialized medications, and multidisciplinary team involvement. With average hospital stays of 3 to 5 weeks for severe cases, total treatment costs per patient commonly exceed $100,000 and can reach $500,000 or more when prolonged ICU stays, complications, and extended rehabilitation are factored into the calculation.
The stark contrast between treatment costs and prevention costs demonstrates the extraordinary cost-effectiveness of tetanus vaccination. A complete primary vaccination series costs less than $50, and decennial booster doses are similarly inexpensive, making vaccination one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available. The resources consumed by even a single tetanus case—including ICU beds, ventilators, specialized nursing care, medications like human tetanus immunoglobulin costing thousands of dollars per dose, and rehabilitation services—could fund vaccination programs reaching thousands of individuals. From a healthcare system perspective, preventing tetanus through universal vaccination not only saves lives but also preserves critical care capacity for other emergent conditions requiring intensive care unit admission.
Global Context and International Comparison in the US 2025
| Geographic Region | Annual Cases | Key Differences from US |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 30 cases (2024) | High vaccination coverage |
| Global Total | 73,000+ cases annually | Primarily developing nations |
| Neonatal Tetanus Worldwide | 27,000 cases | Unhygienic deliveries |
| South Asia | Major burden region | Limited healthcare access |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Major burden region | Low vaccination rates |
| Developed Nations | Rare occurrence | >95% immunization coverage |
| Countries with MNT Elimination | Most nations | 11 countries remain |
| Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen | Still endemic | Maternal-neonatal tetanus |
| Global Deaths Annually | 50,000+ deaths | Preventable mortality |
| Neonatal Tetanus Deaths | 7,719 (2021) | 84% decline since 2000 |
Data Source: CDC Global Tetanus Vaccination Fast Facts, WHO Tetanus Data, Our World in Data Tetanus Statistics, Global Burden of Disease Study, 2025
The global burden of tetanus provides important context for understanding the success of US prevention efforts while highlighting persistent challenges in resource-limited settings. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, more than 73,000 total tetanus cases occurred worldwide, with 27,000 affecting newborns. This represents an extraordinary disparity compared to the 30 cases documented in the United States through November 2024. The concentration of cases in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa reflects disparities in vaccination coverage, healthcare access, hygiene practices during childbirth, and wound care capabilities.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a public health problem in 11 countries as of 2025: Afghanistan, Angola, Central African Republic, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. These nations have not achieved the elimination target of less than 1 neonatal tetanus case per 1,000 live births per year in every district. Global vaccination programs have reduced neonatal tetanus deaths by 95% over the past 30 years, from 46,898 deaths in 2000 to 7,719 deaths in 2021. However, approximately 20 million infants globally did not complete their 3-dose primary tetanus vaccine series in 2024, leaving them vulnerable to this preventable disease. The contrast between developed nations with near-universal vaccination coverage and regions where tetanus remains endemic underscores the critical importance of sustaining immunization programs and expanding access to life-saving vaccines.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
