Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by a germ that lives in soil, dust and animal dung. It enters the body through wounds and makes a poison that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Newborn babies can get tetanus when the cord is cut with an unclean tool or dirty substances are put on it. Tetanus is often fatal, but it is fully preventable with vaccination.
Symptoms
- Stiff jaw and difficulty opening the mouth (lockjaw)
- Stiff neck, back and stomach muscles
- Painful muscle spasms, often set off by noise, light or touch
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever and sweating
- In newborns: stops sucking, stiff body and spasms a few days after birth
Causes
- Tetanus germs (Clostridium tetani) in soil, dust and animal dung
- Deep or dirty wounds, such as from nails, thorns, farm tools or animal bites
- Burns and wounds not cleaned properly
- Cutting the umbilical cord with an unclean blade or putting dung, ash or oil on the cord
- Not being vaccinated, or missing booster doses
Prevention
- Complete childhood vaccines (pentavalent/DTP) on schedule
- Td vaccine for girls and women, including during pregnancy, to protect mother and newborn
- A tetanus booster after a dirty wound if you are not fully vaccinated
- Clean every wound well with soap and clean water
- Give birth with a skilled birth attendant; keep the cord clean and dry and put nothing on it
Treatment
- Urgent hospital care is needed
- Cleaning of the wound and removal of dirt or dead tissue
- Tetanus immunoglobulin and vaccine, given by doctors
- Medicines to control spasms and antibiotics in hospital
- A quiet, dark room to reduce spasms
- Do not try to treat tetanus at home and do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Why do pregnant women get the Td vaccine?
The Td vaccine protects the mother and passes protection to the baby, preventing newborn tetanus. Pregnant women usually need two doses at least 4 weeks apart if they have not been vaccinated before.
Do I need a tetanus injection after every wound?
Not always. If you are fully vaccinated and had a booster in the last 10 years, a clean small wound needs only cleaning. For deep or dirty wounds, or if you are not sure about your vaccines, see a health worker.