Life-threatening tetanus infections are increasing as vaccination rates fall. In the year 1948, before the tetanus vaccine was combined into one shot along with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, the US recorded 601 tetanus infections each year. After decades of widespread vaccination, the annual case count fell to 15-28 infections. Unfortunately, in 2024 and 2025 the US has seen 32 and 37 cases, respectively, the most cases in over a decade. The tetanus shot is very effective at protecting people from the dangerous illness if they are exposed to the tetanus bacteria. Falling vaccination rates for kindergarteners have left many more individuals vulnerable to severe illness. The vast majority of US counties have reported a long-term decline in the percentage of kids receiving the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) shots.
Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can develop due to contact with contaminated materials like rusty nails or glass shards. The continued rise of extreme weather events due to climate change is increasing the likelihood of exposure to contaminated debris. As floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes become more common, people are more likely to run into contaminated debris. There is no cure tetanus. The disease can produce painful spasms, “lockjaw”, other severe nervous system problems, and even death.
