Tetanus, once thought to have been eradicated, is resurging in the US.
About Tetanus:
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.
Treatment:
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.
Prevention:
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.
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