Background:

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani spores which affects the nervous system. In Cuba, immunization against this disease has made it possible to reduce morbidity and mortality from this cause. The few cases reported are patients without prior vaccination against tetanus, so is the interest to the scientific community the reporting of those who develop this disease after having been vaccinated.

Objective:

To describe a patient´s case with a generalized tetanus diagnosis despite has already been vaccinated against this disease.

Case report:

A 33-year-old patient, with a history of has been vaccinated against tetanus, and diagnosed with generalized tetanus, so it was decided he to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Clinically manifested by generalized muscle contractions and stiffness, the neurological symptoms and signs lasted 4 weeks. Despite the complications, the patient discharged from hospital with an adequate life quality.

Conclusions:

This case presentation searches for raising awareness in the scientific community about the importance of considering the diagnosis of tetanus in previous vaccinated patients, which is rare and requires quickness of action.

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