In the past, tetanus was a lot more common. People didn't wear shoes, so they were more likely to step on something sharp and the wound would get infected. Also, hospitals today are a lot cleaner that hospitals in the past. In unclean environments, people with open wounds are prone to getting tetanus, as deep cuts are perfect for C. tetani since air cannot reach the virus, allowing it to live.
Today, tetanus isn't much of a problem in America. In underdeveloped countries and parts of Africa, tetanus is still a problem, as they often go barefoot and get cut and infected.
In America, there are about fifty cases a year, and only ten percent of these are fatal. On a world-wide scale, there are approximately one million cases a year.
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Prevention
To prevent tetanus, you should get a vaccination. It is the best way to prevent tetanus, as it lasts for about ten years.
Complications
- Brain Damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain during seizures
- Having to use a breathing tube
- airway obstruction
- heart failure
- fractures
- pneumonia
- respiratory arrest
- exhaustion
- death
Treatment
You will be given muscle relaxers, antibiotics, medicine to reverse the poison, and sedatives. You'll be put on bedrest in a quiet, dark room, as noise and light can cause seziures. Your doctor may puncture and sterilize the break in skin that the bacteria entered. Also, you may have to undergo surgery to remove the source of the toxin.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will physically exam you and ask questons about your medical history like, "Have you had your tetanus shot?". You doctor will also test you to rule out rabies and other diseases.
How tetanus is transmitted
Tetanus is spread by puncture wounds, infected feces, bite wounds, and bug bites.
Causes
The bacteria called closridium tetani produces nerve toxins as it multiplies. These nerve toxins interfere with the nerves, causing seizures spasms, and convulsions.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease called tetanus are:
- Muscle Pain
- difficulty in swallowing
- difficulty in breathing
- fever
- spasms in facial muscles
- jaw stiffness
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