Related concepts:

Lockjaw

Introduction to tetanus:

Even though the bacteria that cause tetanus are common in the United States, the tetanus vaccine has made tetanus infections rare. Nevertheless, tetanus remains a major worldwide cause of illness and death.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is caused by a toxin created by a bacterium found in the soil. When this germ gets into an open cut or wound, an unprotected person can contract tetanus, which creates serious muscle spasms that can be strong enough to snap the spine. Even with modern medical care, many people who get tetanus die from the disease.

The type of bacteria that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. It is a relative of the bacteria that cause botulism and those that cause clostridium food poisoning.

It is widespread in dirt, especially when the dirt contains excrement.

Who gets tetanus?

Tetanus can be found around the world, but it is most common in warmer climates and in warmer months. The wounds where tetanus enters may be so minor as to be unnoticed, but deep puncture wounds are the most dangerous. People who are immunized are protected.

People can catch tetanus even if the wound is not visibly contaminated. Obvious dirt, stool, or saliva in or on the wound greatly increases the risk.

Neonatal tetanus is another worldwide problem. Unless their mothers have been immunized, newborns can get tetanus if something dirty touches their umbilical stumps. More than ½ million babies around the world die each year from neonatal tetanus, although this is rare in the United States.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Sometimes “lockjaw” is the first symptom – the involuntary clenching of the jaw muscles. Others begin with headache and irritability, followed by muscle stiffness and then muscle spasms. The muscles are described as rigid as a board. A high fever is common.

Involuntary contractions of the facial muscles create an eerie smile. Contractions of the trunk muscles can bend a person over backward, so that only the back of the head and the heels touch the floor.

Seizures are common, as well as loss of bowel and bladder control. Sadly, the person remains fully conscious, and in extreme pain throughout the illness.

Is tetanus contagious?

Tetanus can be spread by dirty objects such as nails, splinters, or needles.

How long does tetanus last?

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks of the infecting wound and then worsen over a week or so. The worst spasms last for about a week. Those who recover do so gradually over about a month.

How is tetanus diagnosed?

The rigid muscles, intense pain, and classic smile usually make tetanus easy to diagnose. Sometimes the bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in the infected wound, but most of the time lab tests are normal.

Either tetanus or rabies can follow an animal bite, and the initial symptoms may look similar, but the seizures look different in the two conditions.