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/