Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacteria clostridium tetani. This bacteria lives in soil and can enter the body through breaks in the skin and produces a toxin that cause painful muscle contractions. It is also called lockjaw, because the jaw muscles are affected in early stages causing difficulty in opening of mouth.

Symptoms

• It includes jaw cramping, sudden involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasm), painful stiffness all over the body, headache, fever and swelling
• Muscle spasms can cause swallowing and breathing problems

Treatment

• Tetanus is treated with antibiotics and with antibodies against tetanus bacteria and tetanus toxin. Muscle releasing medications can relieve the muscle spasms
• Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination. Booster vaccinations are needed every 10 years