Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound. The tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure, but also can be found in the human intestine and other places.
Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.
Tetanus is very uncommon in the U.S. due to widespread immunization. Fewer than 60 cases every year occur in the United States.
Symptoms & Causes
How is tetanus transmitted?
Tetanus isn't contagious. It occurs in those who have had a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture. It is also seen in the umbilical stump of infants in underdeveloped countries. This occurs in places where immunization to tetanus is not widespread and women may not know proper care of the stump after the baby is born.
After being exposed to tetanus, it may take between two days to two months to develop any symptoms. In infants, symptoms may take between five days to two weeks to develop.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
The following are the most common symptoms of tetanus. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
