Overview
Tetanus is a serious infection in which bacteria from soil, dust or rusty objects enter a wound and release a toxin that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms, classically locking the jaw. It does not spread person to person and is entirely preventable by vaccination and prompt wound care. Once it takes hold it is life-threatening and needs hospital treatment, so keeping tetanus shots up to date and cleaning wounds properly is vital, especially for farmers and after road injuries.
Symptoms
- Stiffness of the jaw muscles (lockjaw)
- Stiffness of the neck and difficulty swallowing
- Painful muscle spasms, often triggered by noise or touch
- A fixed, grimace-like expression
- Fever, sweating and a fast heartbeat
When to see a doctor
Clean every wound well and get a tetanus shot if you are not up to date, especially after a dirty or deep injury. Any jaw stiffness or spasms after a wound is an emergency.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, or muscle spasms after a wound — call 108 and go to a hospital immediately
Causes
The toxin of Clostridium tetani bacteria, which live in soil and dust and enter through cuts, puncture wounds, burns or wounds from rusty objects.