Disease Information

Tetanus

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What is Tetanus? What are the symptoms of Tetanus? What is the global scenario like? What is Tetanus's status in Pakistan? How do you prevent Tetanus?

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus results from infection by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. Bacterial spores inhabit soil and manure, entering the body through puncture wounds, burns, or serious injuries. The organism produces toxins that affect the injury site before travelling to the central nervous system. Symptoms typically appear 4 to 21 days after exposure, most commonly around day ten.

What are the symptoms of Tetanus?

Jaw muscle spasms and stiffness, neck rigidity, difficulty swallowing, abdominal muscle stiffness, painful body spasms triggered by minor stimuli such as drafts, noise, touch or light, fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate.

What is the global scenario like?

The WHO documented 15,516 tetanus cases worldwide in 2005, with approximately 290,000 deaths between 2000 and 2003, predominantly among neonates. Research indicates neonatal tetanus accounts for 18 to 38% and 17 to 22% of all neonatal and infant deaths respectively. UNICEF data shows 58,000 newborn deaths from neonatal tetanus in 2010 alone.

What is Tetanus's status in Pakistan?

Pakistan ranks among 34 nations that have not achieved the WHO's neonatal tetanus elimination target. Vaccination coverage has historically ranged from 60 to 74%. Contributing factors include inadequate public knowledge, insufficient healthcare worker counseling, rural residence, limited formal education, and awareness gaps, with urban-rural disparities in vaccination access and antenatal care.

How do you prevent Tetanus?

Tetanus toxoid vaccination prevents disease by stimulating antitoxin production. The combined DPT vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) protects infants through doses administered at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, with further boosters in later childhood. Pregnant women should receive tetanus toxoid between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy.