Topic: Tetanus
Description
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are common in the environment and are found in soil, dust and manure. The bacteria can contaminate wounds, where they produce a toxin which causes the symptoms of tetanus.
Unvaccinated people are at risk of developing tetanus if a wound or cut is contaminated by the bacteria. At least 10% of people who develop tetanus in Australia will die as a result of the disease. The death rate can be up to 90% depending on various factors, such as the age of the person affected and the availability of medical care.
Due to the availability of a very effective tetanus vaccine and widespread immunisation, tetanus is now a rare disease. No person in Queensland should be affected by tetanus unless they have a disorder of their immune system which prevents them from responding adequately to the vaccination.
Symptoms
Tetanus is an acute disease characterised by painful muscular contractions and spasms. Involvement of the muscles of the jaw and neck has led to tetanus also being known as ‘lock jaw’. Older children and adults may present with abdominal rigidity due to involvement of the muscles of the trunk.
Transmission
Tetanus is not directly transmitted from person to person. It is contracted through a cut or wound which becomes contaminated by the bacteria. It can enter the body through even a tiny pinprick or a scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts are more likely to become infected.
The time from exposure to the bacteria and the development of symptoms is usually about 10 days, but it can be longer.
Treatment
The treatment for tetanus involves giving tetanus antitoxin to combat the toxins produced by the infecting bacteria. This is generally done in a hospital intensive care facility because the patient will have difficulty breathing and muscle spasms need to be controlled.
As recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity, an important part of the treatment is to ensure that the person starts a course of vaccination to prevent them from contracting tetanus in the future.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus. Tetanus vaccination (often combined with other vaccines ie. diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and injectable polio vaccine DTP-IPV) is recommended for:
- all children and given at two, four and six months of age with a booster dose given at four years of age.
- all adolescents should have a diphtheria tetanus and pertussis (dTpa) booster between 15-17 years of age
- all adults 50 years and over require a single diphtheria tetanus (dT) or diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (dTpa) booster
- adults with a tetanus prone wound should receive a booster dose of diphtheria tetanus (dT) if more than five years have elapsed since the last tetanus dose.
Any wound should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. If a person gets a tetanus-prone wound and has had no tetanus booster doses in the previous five years, or has never completed the three dose course of tetanus vaccination, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Help and Assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, community health centre or nearest public health unit.
References
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
Tetanus and immunisation fact sheet
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
