Tetanus

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a sudden and often fatal disease. It is caused by a poison produced by bacteria. The bacteria are found in dirt and dust. It can get into the body through a wound. The poison then spreads to the central nervous system. It can cause severe muscle spasms. This can interfere with breathing. Tetanus often leads to jaw stiffness. It is sometimes called "lock-jaw."

Tetanus can be fatal even with treatment. Children who live through tetanus can have long-term problems with speech, memory or thinking.

There is a vaccine to prevent tetanus.

Signs and symptoms of tetanus

Symptoms can appear from a few days to several weeks after the bacteria enter your child's body through a wound. On average, it takes about eight days to show symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include:

• being unable to open the mouth
• trouble swallowing
• tightening of facial muscles
• muscle spasms in the neck, back or belly
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Causes

The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil, dust or animal droppings. Children catch tetanus when bacteria enter an untreated wound. The bacteria produce a powerful poison. The poison attacks the nervous system.

If pregnant mothers do not have enough antibodies in their blood, their newborn babies can develop tetanus. This is called neonatal tetanus. It is common in many developing countries. It is rare in Canadian children.

Risk factors

• fewer than 3 doses of tetanus vaccine
• more than 10 years since last booster
• international travel without being vaccinated
• an untreated wound

Treatment of tetanus

Tetanus is diagnosed by a physical exam. If your child is diagnosed with tetanus, they will be admitted to the hospital. Antibiotics will be given to kill the infection. Other drugs, such as sedatives, may be used to control the muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants may be required. A ventilator may be used to help with breathing.

Prevention

Tetanus is not spread through saliva or by touching another person. Most children catch the disease by getting dirt, dust or animal droppings into an open wound. Babies can get tetanus from their infected mother.

Immunization is the only safe and reliable way to avoid tetanus. Children should be immunized against tetanus in early childhood. Immunization has made tetanus a very rare disease. Trying to avoid dirt and dust may cause more problems than it solves.

In Canada, the tetanus vaccine is given in a combination shot. Tetanus vaccines are normally given:

• at two months, four months and six months of age
• once at 18 months
• once between four and six years of age
• once every 10 years thereafter (booster shots)

If your child was not immunized as a baby, speak to your child's doctor about catching up.

What you can do to help your child with tetanus

Try to make your child comfortable after they get out of the hospital. Make sure that any wounds are treated and heal properly. The doctor will show you how to clean and treat wounds. Antibiotics may be needed.

When to seek medical assistance

Tetanus is a medical emergency. Contact a doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Department if you think your child may have tetanus. Women who are planning a pregnancy should make sure their tetanus booster is up to date.