Four Unvaccinated Children Contract Tetanus Across Four States, Revealing Prevention Gaps

CDC and state health officials report four pediatric tetanus cases in 2024 among unvaccinated children in Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In two cases, parents refused post-exposure tetanus immunoglobulin and vaccination; all children were hospitalized for lengthy stays (average about 25 days) and received TIG and an initial TTCV dose, with only one child later completing the vaccine series. No deaths occurred. The report highlights missed prevention opportunities—no prior TTCV, delays in wound care, and refusal of prophylaxis—underscoring the importance of timely wound care and up-to-date tetanus vaccination to prevent disease.