Tetanus

Tetanus is a severe, occasionally fatal disease, caused by the toxin of bacteria. Tetanus typically infects the body through a dirty or deep wound. It is also called "lockjaw," because it causes spasms of muscles of the neck and jaw. Tetanus is quite rare today because most people are vaccinated against it.

The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in the soil, usually where there is animal manure. Tetanus is most often seen in people who work in an agricultural setting and are exposed to fresh manure and soil. The tetanus bacteria enter the body through a wound that is contaminated with soil or manure. Puncture wounds place one at high risk. People with severe burns can also get the infection.

Symptoms usually begin about 8 days after an injury. The more contaminated the wound, the sooner the symptoms may begin. The first symptom is usually a stiffening of the muscles in the neck and face that makes it difficult to open and close your mouth. Problems swallowing, rigid or hard abdominal muscles, twitching, fever and sweating can also occur. In unvaccinated people, coma, blood clots, pneumonia, and death can occur.

Wound treatment: A wound that is not deep and not grossly contaminated with soil or manure should be cleaned well with soap and water. A tetanus booster shot should be given within 2 days if the person has not received one in the last 10 years. Medical treatment should be given the day of the injury for very dirty, or deep, wounds that are contaminated with soil or manure. A tetanus booster should be given during treatment if the person has not had a booster shot in 5 years. The wounded person may need a tetanus immune globulin if tetanus boosters have never been received in the past or if it has been longer than 10 years.

Immunization: The best way to avoid tetanus is to keep your tetanus immunization current. Children typically receive the tetanus vaccine along with diphtheria and pertussis (DPT) in a series of 5 shots at ages 2, 4, 6, and 18 months and again between 4 and 6. A Td (tetanus and diphtheria) shot should be given between ages 10 and 12 and every 10 years thereafter. Adults need tetanus boosters every 10 years to decrease their chance of getting tetanus.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4730.RF2 VRS# 4730 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.