A Fatal Case of Adult Generalized Tetanus in the Al-Buraimi Governorate Sultanate of Oman: A First Clinically Diagnosed Case Report

Abstract

Tetanus is a notifiable disease in Oman under event based surveillance system. It is an uncommon but very fatal disease caused by spores of bacteria found in the environment. The disease remains an important public health problem in many parts of the world, especially in low-income countries or districts, where immunization coverage is low. Tetanus requires a history of injury or wound. This is a clear typical clinical picture in our fatal case of a 43 years old Bangladeshi expatriate who was diagnosed for the first time in the governorate at Accident & Emergency Department of Al-Buraimi Hospital, Sultanate of Oman. Regular health education awareness of the public for immunization and timely seeking medical care can play an important role in lowering the morbidity and mortality of tetanus. This case report should definitely contribute to raise the awareness of tetanus, both at local and national level among all health workers and public.