Tetanus is a disease condition which affects the nervous system and causes painful, uncontrolled muscle spasms including locked jaw. Because of its widespread immunization, tetanus is now rare. Another term used for tetanus is lockjaw.
Tetanus is caused by bacterial species, Clostridium tetani which are omnipresent and are found especially in soil, dust and manure. Infection occurs through the skin, from a cut, wound or pinprick, that is contaminated with the tetanus bacterium. Tetanus is not contagious. It will not be passed from one person to another.
Tetanus Prevention:
Anyone who is not immune to tetanus can acquire the disease. Therefore, the best way to protect against lockjaw is to be immunized. Tetanus immunization is a part of the usual childhood immunizations, given at two, four, six and eighteen months, at four to six years of age and at fourteen to sixteen years of age. All adults should have a booster dose every ten years. People who injure themselves may need tetanus immune globulin to prevent tetanus infection, and vaccine if their immunizations are not up to date. In case of doubts we can contact Regional Public Health office or your family doctor.
Tetanus Symptoms:
Common first symptoms of tetanus are a headache and stiffness of the jaw muscles (locked jaw). Later signs include stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, rigidity of stomach muscles, spasms, fever and sweating. Symptoms usually begin 8 days after being infected but may range from a few days to a few weeks after infection. Unfortunately, tetanus is a serious and vigorous bacterial infection and if untreated can even result in death before the sufferer’s immune system can overcome it.
Tetanus Treatment:
Individuals who have not completed tetanus immunisation programme and who have met with a major wound in contaminated soil containing animal excreta will have to be assessed for treatment/immunisation right at the time of the injury. Tetanus is treated with antibiotics that kill the Clostridium bacteria.
Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned, and dead tissue must be removed. In case of minor and clean wounds, where the patient has had a primary series of tetanus vaccines but not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years, a single booster of toxoid should be administered on the day of injury. For severe or dirty wounds, a booster should be given if more than five years have elapsed since the last booster if the person has completed a primary series.
If the person hasn't completed a primary series of tetanus vaccine (toxoid), tetanus immune globulin (TIG), antitoxin or antibiotics may be given along with tetanus toxoid.
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