Tetanus

The tetanus bacterium enters the body through a break in the skin. Tetanus may follow elective surgery, burns, deep puncture wounds, crush wounds, otitis media (ear infections), dental infection, animal bites, abortion, and pregnancy. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.

Tetanus mainly affects the neck and abdomen. Tetanus is also known as “lockjaw” because it often causes a person’s neck and jaw muscles to lock, making it hard to open the mouth or swallow. It also can cause breathing problems, severe muscle spasms, and seizure-like movements. Complete recovery can take months. If left untreated, tetanus can be fatal.

The incubation period (time from exposure to when signs and symptoms first appear) is usually 3–21 days. It can vary from one day to several months depending on the type, severity, and location of the wound. The average period is 10 days. Most cases occur within 14 days. The timeframe is shorter with more heavily contaminated wounds, more severe disease, and a worse prognosis (expected disease outcome).

Tetanus is not transmitted from one person to another. A person with tetanus is not infectious to others.

Proper wound care and keeping up to date with tetanus immunizations are the best prevention for tetanus. Persons suspected to be infected with tetanus will often be given immune globulin intramuscularly to slow the progress of the disease. Otherwise treatment includes bed rest and quiet conditions and treating the complications of the diseases.

Tetanus is rare in Texas, with only a total of 11 cases from 2015 through 2019. However, people who have never been vaccinated or who have not had a booster in recent years are at highest risk for tetanus.

• For Healthcare Professionals
  • Tetanus Vaccine information for healthcare professionals from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • For the Public
    • Tetanus Vaccine information for the public FAQs on the CDC website
• CDC Pink Book Tetanus Vaccination Schedule 

• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

• Vaccine-Preventable Disease Resources