Tetanus
Common Name: Lockjaw
Age of onset: any
Duration: People who have tetanus must be treated in a hospital. Severe muscle spasms may last for about three to four weeks and then slowly get better. Once these spasms subside, recovery takes several months.
Tetanus is common in both males and females.
Cause: Tetanus is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani. The bacterial spores are found in soil, street dust, and in animal feces. These spores are transmitted to humans through simple cuts. Once the spores are inside the body they beome active and release a toxin into the blood stream. This disease can also be transmitted through animal scratches and bites, surgical wounds, and even dental work.
Symptoms: The first symtom is usually a locked or stiff jaw. The patient is unalbe to open thier mouth or swallow. The stiffeness then spreads through the neck and other muscles of the body. The patient often goes through uncontrollable spasms. These spasms can be severe to cause broken bones. Other symptoms are loss of appetite, irritability, drooling, and restlessness.
Prognosis: 30% of individuals in the United States with tetanus die. Early diagnosis and treatment helps the chance of survival immensly. The death rate of infants who develop tetanus is 90%.
Treatment Options: Immune globulin is the immediate treatment of unimmunized individuals exposed to material likely to contain bacteria. Treatment also includes bed rest and quiet conditions. Penicillin is aslo used to eradicate the bacteria. Sedation and mechanical ventilation may be used to control the spasms. Tetanus is a totally preventable disease by using active immunization.
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