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Tetanus

Description
A disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria. Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease caused by an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by generalized rigidity and convulsive spasms of skeletal muscles. The muscle stiffness usually involves the jaw (lockjaw) and neck and then becomes generalized.

Symptoms
Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing

Later symptoms: severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, severe autonomic nervous system disorders

Incubation Period
The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days, usually about 8 days. In general the further the injury site is from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period. The shorter the incubation period, the higher the chance of death. In neonatal tetanus, symptoms usually appear from 4 to 14 days after birth, averaging about 7 days.

Complications
Laryngospasm (spasm of the vocal cords) and/or spasm of the muscles of respiration leads to interference with breathing. Fractures of the spine or long bones may result from sustained contractions and convulsions. Hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system may lead to hypertension and/or an abnormal heart rhythm. Death in about 10-20% of cases, higher among older people.

Transmission
Enters the body through a break in the skin

Vaccine
Tetanus toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DT, DTaP, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.

Does my infant need this vaccine?
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 5 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for infants and children. One dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years old. DTaP vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

As an adult, do I need this vaccine?
Everyone needs protection from tetanus. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years or more, you should receive a tetanus shot. If you never had the initial childhood tetanus vaccines, you should receive a series of three tetanus shots.

Content Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases