[Tetanus: epidemiological aspects at the Infectious Disease Clinics at the Fann University Hospital Center in Dakar].

This retrospective study was carried out to assess the recent epidemiological aspects of tetanus in Senegal. Based on the records of tetanus cases admitted at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Dakar over a 7-year periode (1990-1996), this study showed that tetanus is still a major public health concern in Senegal. A global prevalence rate of 18.8% was found. Portals of entry were noticed to be: dirty wounds (48%), the umbilical stumps (19%), non sterile intra-muscular injections (4.5%), surgery (3.3%) and traditional practices (4.2%). Nevertheless, in a high proportion of cases (13.3%), the portal of entry was not found. A 30.3% case fatality rate was observed, that varied significantly according to portals of entry, reaching 60.4% in umbilical tetanus. It is recommended here that the immunization programme against tetanus be reinforced and supported by I E C Strategies together with retraining of medical personnel.