Tetanus

Disease and transmission –Tetanus is caused by bacterium Clostridium tetani, and its spores which is found in soil worldwide.  Tetanus occurs when spores in the soil enter a wound. Wounds like burns, animal bites or puncture wounds from rusty tools are tetanus prone. The spinal cord and brain are attacked by the toxin released by the bacteria.

Symptoms – Fever, painful muscle spasms and contractions. Facial spasms resulting in the jaw locking. Problems swallowing, breathing and spontaneous arching of the back. Up to a fifth of cases die, even with medical support. 

Prevention - Travellers should be aware of risks and clean any wounds thoroughly and ensure an assessment is carried out of tetanus prone wounds. There is an effective vaccine and many UK citizens will have had 5 vaccines in childhood. It is then suggested to have a booster every ten years if visiting counties with limited health care facilities.

Treatment – Wounds should be cleaned and assessed at a medical facility so that further treatment can be decided upon which may include antibiotics, further vaccination or immunoglobulin. People with symptoms of tetanus often need intensive care in a hospital.

Further information - https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/168/tetanus