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Beyond rusty nails — how tetanus begins
We contract tetanus through a cut or wound that is contaminated with tetanus bacteria. These dangerous bacteria are present worldwide in soil, dust, and manure.
The connection between a wound caused by a rusty or dirty nail and the need for a tetanus shot is burned in the public mind. But most people don't realize tetanus bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch.
Injuries at risk for tetanus:
- Animal and human scratches and bites
- Lesions with torn or burned flesh
- Puncture wounds or projectile injuries
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Wounds caused by crushing or frostbite
Slow, serious symptoms
A serious bacterial disease that affects the nervous system, tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, leading to "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open the mouth or swallow, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Symptoms usually begin eight days after the infection, including: - A "locked" jaw - headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw and neck
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Trouble swallowing
- Rigid abdomen
- Muscle spasms
- Sweating and fever
- Convulsions
- Cardiac rhythm impairment
Tetanus can be fatal. Even if a patient recovers, he or she will need to be immunized to avoid the possibility of a repeat infection.
Vaccination equals prevention
Between 1998 and 2000, 130 cases of tetanus occurred in the U.S, virtually all of them preventable through proper immunization. Almost all reported cases of tetanus occur in persons who have either never been vaccinated or were vaccinated at one time but didn't receive a booster vaccination during the past 10 years.
Bottom line:
Since tetanus bacteria are everywhere, this lethal illness
poses a real threat to individuals who are not immunized. Make
sure your children are immunized and check your tetanus vaccination
status if you get injured.
Additional resources:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Who
needs a tetanus vaccine?
National Institutes of Health: Tips for how to reduce your tetanus risk
www.kidshealth.org: Kids
and tetanus
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