Tetanus

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infection caused by wounds contaminated by Clostridia bacteria, a germ which lives in the feces of animals and people. It occurs worldwide.

It is important to clean all cuts, punctures or animal bites.

The first symptom of the disease may be discomfort in swallowing or stiffening of the jaw and neck; this is followed by painful convulsions of the jaw and whole body, and death.

The disease is preventable with a vaccination, and then a booster given every 10 years.

Diseases