Tetanus : In News
Tetanus, once thought to have been eradicated, is resurging in the US.
- Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the body’s nervous system.
- It’s caused by a poison (toxin) made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).
- The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound.
- Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure. They can also be found in the human intestine and other places.
- Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.
- It’s not spread from person to person.
- Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunized with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines.
- There’s no cure for tetanus.
- Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.
- People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.
- Tetanus is completely preventable by being immunized (vaccinated).
- Immunization usually protects against tetanus infection for 10 years.
- The childhood schedule includes five doses, followed by boosters in adolescence and every 10 years.
- Pregnant women are also advised to receive Tdap to protect their newborns.
