Non-Neonatal Tetanus in Mogadishu, Somalia: Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes—First Report from a Tetanus Referral Centre
A retrospective study of the clinical characteristics, management, complications, and outcomes of non-neonatal tetanus at a referral centre in Mogadishu.
Research overview
This study described non-neonatal tetanus cases managed at Madina Hospital, a national tetanus referral centre in Mogadishu, between July 2024 and January 2026.
The researchers reviewed the medical records of 50 patients, examining demographics, vaccination status, clinical presentation, management, complications, and in-hospital outcomes.
The findings reveal a substantial burden among young, unvaccinated patients presenting with advanced disease. They underscore the need to strengthen immunization, early recognition and referral, and access to respiratory and critical care in Somalia.
Key findings
- Among 50 patients, 84% were male, 80% were unvaccinated, and 64% had severe or very severe tetanus.
- Dysautonomia affected 42% of patients, while 18% developed respiratory failure.
- Thirteen patients died, producing an in-hospital mortality rate of 26%.
- Respiratory failure accounted for 69.2% of deaths, and mortality was significantly associated with disease severity, complications, antibiotic category, and vaccination status.
Yardimeli staff participation
This publication includes participation from a Yardimeli Specialist Hospital staff member and lists Yardimeli Specialist Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia, as an institutional affiliation where applicable.
Citation
Mohamed MM, Abdi RA, Ali MA, Jama MA and Haji Mohamud RY (2026) Non-neonatal tetanus in Mogadishu, Somalia: clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes—first report from a tetanus referral centre. Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 11:208. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed11080208
Open-access license
© 2026 the article authors. This publication is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0). Reuse is permitted when the original authors, copyright owner, and journal publication are properly credited.