Tetanus Vaccination

Information about tetanus

About 10-20% of tetanus infections result in death. The tetanus bacteria usually gets into the body through a wound and affects the nervous system. The bacteria Clostridium tetani is found in the form of spores in soil and in animal dung. It contaminates many surfaces. Clostridium tetani spores enter the body by a wound, burn, cut or scrape and the infection spreads through the bloodstream. The bacteria release strychnine-like neurotoxins that cause muscle spasms.

Symptoms of tetanus

Tetanus symptoms develop during an incubation period that lasts between four and 21 days. One of the earliest symptoms is lockjaw, where the jaw muscles stiffen to the point that the infected patient is unable to even open their mouth. Pain, spasms – which are sometimes strong enough to break bones – and stiffness travel down through the body and may result in difficulty breathing, which leads to suffocation.

If you suspect you have tetanus and are suffering from muscle pain or spasms, seek medical help immediately.

Tetanus is treated with immunoglobulin and antibiotics. Patients may need to be looked after in an intensive care unit if breathing difficulties occur. It takes weeks or months to recover from tetanus.

Countries with a risk of tetanus

Tetanus bacteria is prevalent throughout the world, but is more common in warm, damp climates.

Travellers at risk from tetanus

If you have never been vaccinated against tetanus, your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser may recommend the full three-dose course.

Vaccinated adults travelling to a remote area with limited medical facilities who have not had a tetanus booster for ten years should get one before departure.

Prevention of tetanus

Tetanus is not contagious, so cannot be spread to others by a human carrier. The bacteria enters the bloodstream through puncture wounds or burns, which is how the disease is often contracted. You should, of course, take steps to avoid accidents.

Seek medical attention for any wound that:

• is larger than 5cm
• has a jagged edge
• has dirt or something in it such as glass
• was caused by a human or animal bite.

Wounds acquired in the tropics need a bit of extra care and vigilance because they can easily become infected.

Intravenous drug use can increase your risk of exposure to tetanus. And there is a potential for infection during tattooing and piercing.