Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria found in the environment. It does not spread from person to person.
Tetanus is uncommon in the U.S., with an average of 30 reported cases each year, but a very serious disease that requires immediate treatment in a hospital.
The most common form of tetanus is generalized tetanus. Initial muscles impacted by generalized tetanus are often in the jaw and neck (leading to the common name for the disease, “lockjaw”).
Disease Reporting Requirement
All practitioners, health care facilities, and laboratories in Florida are required to notify the Florida Department of Health of diseases or conditions of public health significance under section 381.0031, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code.
Most cases are reported among people who never receive a tetanus vaccines. In the U.S., death results in approximately 10–20% of people diagnosed with tetanus.
Cause
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produce spores that develop into bacteria when they enter the body. These spores can be found in the environment, such as in dust, manure, soil, and feces.
Common transmission occurs through broken skin by contaminated objects, such as nails or needles. Severe burns, crush injuries, and injuries involving dead tissue are other common ways for the bacterium to enter the body.
Symptoms
The time from exposure to illness is usually between 3-21 days (average of 10 days) but may range from one day to several months.
- jaw cramping
- Headache
- Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms, often in the stomach
- Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
- Trouble swallowing
- Jerking movements or seizures
- Fever and sweating
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Serious health conditions can occur due to tetanus, such as uncontrolled/involuntary muscular contraction of the vocal cords, fractures (broken bones), pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and blood clots leading to pulmonary embolism.
It is important to get a diagnosis of tetanus from a health care provider immediately.
Treatment
There are no hospital lab tests can confirm tetanus. Diagnosis is done by examining the patient and looking for signs and symptoms of tetanus.
Immediate hospital care for tetanus is important. Providers use a medicine called human tetanus immune globulin (TIG), aggressive wound care, several different medications (e.g. antibiotics), and tetanus vaccines for treatment.
Prevention
There are vaccines available to help prevent tetanus. Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you.
- DTaP is intended for children 6 years old and younger to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
- DT is intended for children 6 years old and younger, including those who cannot receive vaccines for pertussis, protectings against diphtheria and tetanus.
- Tdap is intended for children 7 years and older, including adults, protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
- Td is intended for children 7 years and older, including adults, protecting against tetanus, and diphtheria.