Tetanus - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2017

In 2017, 82 cases of tetanus, including 46 confirmed cases, were reported in the EU/EEA. Adults aged 65 years and above were the most affected age group, with females accounting for the majority of the cases. Cases tended to occur more frequently in the warmer months, which are associated with higher levels of outdoor activity. The current epidemiology of tetanus in the EU/EEA may be explained by lower vaccination coverage or waning immunity in older populations. Due to the severity of tetanus, there is a need to maintain high vaccination rates in all age groups and continue implementing/developing strategies to protect specific groups, particularly the elderly, in countries with higher rates of disease.