Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an Tetanus is acquired through exposure to
infection characterized by muscle spasms. the spores of the bacterium Clostridium
In the most common type the spasms tetani which are universally present in begin in the jaw and then progress to the the soil. The disease is caused by the rest of the body. These spasms usually last action of a potent neurotoxin produced a few minutes each time and occur during the growth of the bacteria in dead frequently for three to four weeks. Spasms tissues, e.g. in dirty wounds or in the may be so severe that bone fractures may umbilicus following non-sterile delivery. occur. Other symptoms may include: fever, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. Onset of symptoms is typically three to twenty one days following infection. It may take months to recover. About 10% of those infected die. Clostridium Tetani: People of all ages can get tetanus. But the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies. This is called neonatal tetanus. Most infants who get the disease die. Neonatal tetanus is particularly common in rural areas where most deliveries are at home without adequate sterile procedures. A newborn baby may become infected if the knife, razor, or other instrument used to cut its umbilical cord is dirty, if dirty material is used to dress the cord, or if the hands of the person delivering the baby are not clean. Infants and children may also contract tetanus when dirty instruments are used for circumcision, scarification, and skin piercing, and when dirt, charcoal, or other unclean substances are rubbed into a wound. The incubation period is usually three to 21 days although it may range from one day to several months depending upon the nature of exposure. Most cases occur within14 days. Cases with shorter incubation periods tend to have more severe disease and thereby a greater risk of death. In children and adults muscular Newborn babies stiffness in the jaw is a common with tetanus are first sign of tetanus. This normal at birth, symptom is followed by stiffness but stop sucking in the neck, difficulty between three swallowing, stiffness in the and 28 days after stomach muscles, muscle birth. spasms, sweating, and fever.
Fractures of the spine or other
bones may occur as a result of muscle spasms and convulsions. Abnormal heartbeats and coma can occur, as can development of pneumonia and other infections. Death is particularly likely in the very young and in old people. YES, Tetanus is notifiable. Immunizing infants and children with DTP or DT and adults with Td prevents tetanus. More recently, some countries have been using a combination vaccine that includes vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, vitamin A (HepB), and sometimes Haemophilus inflenzae type b (Hib). Neonatal tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with tetanus toxoid, either during pregnancy or outside of pregnancy. This protects the mother and enables tetanus antibodies to be transferred to her baby. Clean practices are especially important when a mother is delivering a child, even if she has been immunized. People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be Tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease. Immunisation with a dTPa-containing (diphtheria- tetanus-acellular pertussis) vaccine is the best way to reduce the risk of tetanus in children Children 6 weeks to 6 months A combined vaccine is given free to all children at 6 weeks to 2 months, 4 months and again at 6 months old as part of the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine protects your child against tetanus and five other diseases: diphtheria, polio, whooping cough (pertussis), hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Children aged 3.5 to 4 years Children in this age group are given a combined booster vaccination that protects against tetanus and three other diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), and polio. Teenagers 10 to 17 years old Teenagers are usually given a combined booster vaccination that also protects against diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis). The vaccination is given as part of the National Immunisation Program schedule usually at 11 to 13 years. Which booster vaccine is given, and when, may depend on your state or territory. Adults Your doctor may recommend that you have a tetanus-containing booster vaccination if you are 50 years or older and you have not had a tetanus booster vaccination in the previous 10 years, if you have been injured, or before travelling. Ask your doctor for advice. Pregnant women The tetanus vaccine can be given to pregnant women. There is no known risk to your unborn baby. The incubation period between exposure to the bacteria in a contaminated wound and development of the initial symptoms of tetanus ranges from two days to two months, but it's commonly within 14 days of injury. Most patients with tetanus survive and return to previous function. Older people and those who have a rapid progression from time of infection to severe symptoms have a higher risk of death. References: World Health Organisation. (2014). Tetanus. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/tetanus/en/