TETANUS
A Vaccine Preventable Illness; commonly known as "Lockjaw"
What is Tetanus?
Home Medical Encyclopedia
History of Tetanus
The discovery of tetanus lead to the understanding of the protective effect that it possessed as well. In 1897, Nocard showed the world that passive immunizations of this was used for prophalaxis during WWI. Considering the gunshots that many men experienced in the dirt ridden land, this was a milestone for the world.
The Clostridium tetani bacterial spore has not been eradicated since it's discovery. Tetanus is still a highly regarded disease that can be incredibly painful and detrimental to one's health.
How does someone know they have tetanus?
The list from the CDC is as follows:
- Headache
- Jaw cramping
- Sudden, involuntary muscle cramping
- Painful muscle stiffness
- Dysphagia
- Jerking or staring
- Febrility and diaphoresis
- Hypertension
Facial Tetany
Depiction of Tetanus
A child suffering from opisthotonos
How is it transmitted?
- Wounds contaminated with feces, soil or saliva.
- Puncture wounds.
- Burns.
- Crush Injuries.
- Injuries which involve dead or stagnant tissues.
The more rare ways include:
- superficial abrasions
- surgical procedures
- insect bites
- dental infections
- compound fractures
- IV drug use
- Open sores or lesions.
http://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/causes-transmission.html
- For the above photo: http://www.podiatrytoday.com/how-treat-puncture-wounds
Complications of Tetanus?
Complications include:
- Uncontrolled muscle contraction of the vocal cords.
- Fractures of the bones from uncontrolled muscle spasms.
- Hospital acquired infections.
- Pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
- Pneumonia
- SOB, which can lead to death (10-20%)
http://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/symptoms-complications.html
Recommended Prevention and Control of Tetanus
- The CDC recommends that a patient begin a DTaP vaccination at the age of two months. The infant than should receive another 4 rounds of the vaccine. Once at four months, once at six months, once at 15-18 months and then once again between the ages of four and six. After receiving these shots in adolescence and childhood, they will need to be administered a Booster shot every ten years to continue immunity.
- Proper wound care is another critical component of preventing tetanus. If a clean is washed out properly, dressed with clean dressings and evaluated by a physician; the likelihood of a person contracting the disease can be minimized. Physicians are required to ask a person with a wound if their tetanus is up to date. If it is not, a simple booster can be given immediately and contraction of tetanus is less likely.