Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a painful and serious disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which are found in soil, dust, and animal faeces around the world. The bacteria can enter the body through broken skin (e.g., wounds, burns and compound fractures) and produce a toxin that causes muscles in the body to spasm.
Tetanus is common across the globe but is particularly prevalent in rural and agricultural regions and areas where immunisation is inadequate.
Due to high vaccination coverage, tetanus is rare in Australia and mainly occurs in older adults who were never vaccinated or who were vaccinated a long time ago.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of tetanus include tightening of the jaw muscles, muscle spasms and stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulties. Tetanus can result in death.
Prevention
The best protection against tetanus is vaccination, either as tetanus diphtheria (dT) or tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (dTpa). In Australia, initial vaccinations are given in infancy and childhood, with booster injections routinely given at secondary school age.
Adults who have had a primary course of tetanus-containing vaccines in infancy and childhood and have not had a booster in the previous 10 years should get a booster dose at 50 years of age (as dT or dTpa) and at 65 years of age (as dTpa). Adults and adolescents who have never had a primary course of tetanus-containing vaccines should receive three doses (with at least four weeks between doses), as well as a booster dose 10 and 20 years’ post-primary vaccination.
When there is a risk that a wound may be contaminated by tetanus bacteria (dirty wounds or punctures, burns, crush injuries) and there is doubt about tetanus immune status, a booster vaccination is advised.
For this reason, it is best for travellers to check and update their tetanus vaccination status appropriately before travel. Generally, it is recommended that those travelling overseas have a booster every 10 years or every five years if they are at high risk (adventure, hiking, climbing, etc).
Treatment
Tetanus can be fatal, and prolonged treatment with respiratory support in an intensive care unit is usually required.
Destinations
No destinations currently have an elevated risk of this disease.
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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