Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Description A disease of the nervous system caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria
Symptoms Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing
Later symptoms: severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, severe autonomic nervous system disorders
Complications Bone fractures, abnormal heart rhythm
Death in about 10-20% of cases, with the highest rates occurring among older people
Transmission Enters the body through a break in the skin. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.
Vaccine Tetanus toxoid (contained in Tdap, DT, DTaP, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease. Tetanus toxoid was also contained in DTP (an older version of DTaP); and DTaP is contained in several other combination vaccines, such as Pediarix, Pentacel, Kinrix, and TriHIBit.
Disclaimer: The information contained on the Meningitis Angels web site is not to be considered medical advice or treatment. Consult your health care provider or local health department if you are sick prior and/or prior to the use of any vaccines. Information on this Web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
Resource this page www.cdc.gov
Symptoms Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing
Later symptoms: severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, severe autonomic nervous system disorders
Complications Bone fractures, abnormal heart rhythm
Death in about 10-20% of cases, with the highest rates occurring among older people
Transmission Enters the body through a break in the skin. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.
Vaccine Tetanus toxoid (contained in Tdap, DT, DTaP, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease. Tetanus toxoid was also contained in DTP (an older version of DTaP); and DTaP is contained in several other combination vaccines, such as Pediarix, Pentacel, Kinrix, and TriHIBit.
Disclaimer: The information contained on the Meningitis Angels web site is not to be considered medical advice or treatment. Consult your health care provider or local health department if you are sick prior and/or prior to the use of any vaccines. Information on this Web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
Resource this page www.cdc.gov