TETANUS IN A 74-YEAR-OLD WOMAN

The clinical course of an older woman admitted for intensive rehabilit ation after a diagnosis of tetanus infection is reviewed. Although thi s is an uncommon disease, older adults are more susceptible than other age groups to this serious infection, which is preventable by appropr iate immunization. The case report and the discussion that follow high light the high morbidity and potential mortality of this often unsuspe cted infection. Heightened awareness of tetanus by geriatricians and o thers concerned with the care of older adults is required.