EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TETANUS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of tetanus in Croatia and to determine changes in the age and sex structure, morbidity and mortality after the introduction of mandatory immunization and after the introduction of additional immunization for persons aged ≥ 60. The retrospective study was undertaken and the data on the number of patients and deaths from tetanus in the period 1946–2014 in Croatia were analyzed. The data considering age, gender and geographical location of disease occurrence were also analyzed. The study confirmed the reduction of morbidity, mortality and fatality rate from tetanus after the introduction of mandatory immunization. In the last twenty years the average morbidity rate was 1.68/1 000 000 population. A higher incidence of tetanus was observed in female patients. During the last ten years all patients were in the age group of 60 and above. The distribution of patients according to the geographical location showed a higher incidence of tetanus in continental Croatia (26/31; 84%) than in coastal area. The less reported number occurred during the winter months. This preventive measure is very effective and economically justified.