Tetanus

• Lockjaw (trismus) – difficulty opening the mouth due to jaw muscle spasms
• Painful muscle spasms, often starting in the jaw and neck, then spreading to the abdomen and limbs
• Muscle stiffness, especially in the neck and abdomen
• Difficulty swallowing
• Headaches, fever, and sweating
• Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure

Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. It is acquired when spores of the *Clostridium tetani* bacteria, commonly found in soil, dust, and animal feces, enter the body through broken skin. This includes puncture wounds, cuts, burns, contaminated injections, or even minor skin breaks. Deep, dirty wounds are particularly high-risk for infection.

• Vaccination: Ensure up-to-date tetanus vaccinations (DTaP for children, Tdap/Td for adolescents and adults).
• Booster shots: Adults should receive a Td booster every 10 years, or after a severe injury if more than 5 years have passed since the last dose.
• Proper wound care: Clean all wounds thoroughly, especially deep or contaminated ones, and seek medical attention if needed, particularly if vaccination status is unclear.