A comparative study of urban and rural tetanus in adults.

An analysis of 240 patients, aged 15+, admitted to the tetanus ward of Irwin Hospital, New Delhi, with clinically diagnosed tetanus is reported. 134 patients (55.8%) came from rural areas and 106 (44.2%) from urban areas. The male--female ratio for both groups was approximately 2:1. Rural patients were younger, showed a longer incubation period and experienced a lower crude case fatality rate. Traditional practices like the application of cow dung to wounds, ear piercing and tatooing, and chronic ear infections were important factors in developing tetanus, demonstrating a need for health education in rural communities.