Tetanus Infection from Shared Needle: Analysis of Three Fatal Cases

Abstract

This presentation analyzes the clinical progression and outcomes of three cases of tetanus infection in drug users who used non-sterile syringes and had similar epidemiological risk factors. Despite hospitalization from the emergency and critical care departments and receiving intensive therapy, all three patients succumbed to the disease. A striking observation was that earlier symptom onset correlated with earlier mortality. This aligns with literature findings, particularly studies indicating a sharply increased mortality risk in patients with an incubation period of ≤7 days. Although tetanus has become rarer in the era of vaccinations, it remains a significant concern among unvaccinated individuals, among drug users who utilize non-sterile injection methods. This case series underscores the rapid and lethal nature of tetanus in this high-risk group and highlights the urgent need for preventive measures.