Epidemiology 1 million cases of tetanus occur annually in the world, with a mortality rate ranging from 20%o to 50%o. But rare in most developed countries. In some developing countries, tetanus is still one of the ten leading causes of death, and neonatal tetanus accounts for approximately one-half of the cases worldwide In less developed countries, approximate mortality rates remain 85%o for neonatal tetanus and 50%o for nonneonatal tetanus In the United States, intravenous drug abusers have become another population with an increasing incidence of clinical tetanus In untreated tetanus the fatality rate is 90%o for the newborn and 40%/o for adultsEpidemiology ◼ 1 million cases of tetanus occur annually in the world,with a mortality rate ranging from20% to 50%. But rare in most developed countries. ◼ In some developing countries, tetanus is still one of the ten leading causes of death, and neonatal tetanus accounts for approximately one-half of the cases worldwide. ◼ In less developed countries, approximate mortality rates remain 85% for neonatal tetanus and 50% for nonneonatal tetanus. ◼ In the United States, intravenous drug abusers have become another population with an increasing incidence of clinical tetanus ◼ In untreated tetanus, the fatality rate is 90% for the newborn and 40% for adults