NEUROLOGICAL ASPECTS OF TROPICAL DISEASE: Tetanus

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Abstract
In this decade 12–15 cases have been reported per year in Britain3 and between 40–60 in the United States.4 5 Mortality varies with patients' age. In the United States mortality in adults younger than 30 may be as low as zero. However, in those aged over 60, who account for 75% of tetanus deaths, mortality is above 50%.4-6 In Portugal between 1986 and 1990 all age mortality varied between 32% and 59%.7 In neonatal cases mortality without ventilation was reported as 82% in 1960 and 63%-79% in 1991.8 9 With ventilation this may be reduced to as low as 11%.10