Tetanus

Tetanus Latest News

Tetanus, once thought to have been eradicated, is resurging in the US.

About Tetanus

• Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the body’s nervous system. 
• It’s caused by a poison (toxin) made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).
• The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound. 
• Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure. They can also be found in the human intestine and other places.
• Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.
• It’s not spread from person to person.  
• Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunized with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines. 

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Tetanus Symptoms

• Once inside the body, tetanus toxins interfere with the release of neurotransmitters, leading to muscle contractions and intractable spasms.
• Symptoms typically occur between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days) after exposure.
• The early hallmark of tetanus is ‘lockjaw’, hence the name. It is a painful condition in which the jaw cannot move or open properly.
• Other symptoms include:
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms — often in the stomach
  • Painful muscle stiffness throughout the body
  • Seizures (jerking or staring)
  • Headache
  • Fever and sweating
  • Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
• The disease can cause serious health problems such as laryngospasm (uncontrolled tightening of the vocal cords), fractures, pulmonary embolism (blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot), aspiration pneumonia (lung infection from inhaling saliva or vomit), and breathing difficulties. 
• In severe cases, tetanus can lead to death. 

Tetanus Treatment

• There’s no cure for tetanus. 
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve. 
• People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again. 

Tetanus Prevention

• Tetanus is completely preventable by being immunized (vaccinated). 
• Immunization usually protects against tetanus infection for 10 years. 
• The childhood schedule includes five doses, followed by boosters in adolescence and every 10 years.
• Pregnant women are also advised to receive Tdap to protect their newborns.

News: TOI