1. TETANUS
Lucy Waskiewicz
Ms. Krafty
Health
April 10, 2017

2. What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a very serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria “Clostridium tetani”
These spores release a toxin that targets the parts of the brain and nervous system which control movement
The toxin quickly and effectively causes you to lose control of your muscles

3. 2015 saw only 30 cases of tetanus reported in the United States
Tetanus Fact #1
2015 saw only 30 cases of tetanus reported in the United States
Causes of Tetanus
Tetanus is often characterized by getting stabbed in the foot by a rusty nail
However, any open wound resulting from sharp, often rusty metal with contact to soil or nature poses a threat
The tetanus spores often reside in contaminated soil and animal manure, and their durability allows them to last very long in soil without an infected host

4. Tetanus Symptoms
Tetanus is mainly identified by muscle stiffness, rigidity, and spasms
Often, “lockjaw”, or stiffness of the jaw is the primary symptom. “Risus Sardonicus” is an abnormal, stiff grin that is often produced as a result of tetanus’ effect on muscles
Other symptoms include diarrhea, fever, headache, and rapid heartbeat
Tetanus Fact #2
Many Batman fans believe the “Joker venom” is a variation of tetanus, due to the Joker’s smile being similar to Risus Sardonicus

5. About 60 countries had 0 reported cases of tetanus in 2015
Can Tetanus Spread?
Tetanus Fact #3
About 60 countries had 0 reported cases of tetanus in 2015
Tetanus is not contagious; it is an disease within one’s own body
As tetanus is a bacteria designed to kill, not dwell within a host, it does not spread to genes but resides in the nervous system; it cannot be passed on through heredity
In unsanitary conditions without proper medical care, tetanus can thrive

6. All tetanus vaccines also include protection from diptheria
Tetanus Treatment
There is a vaccine for tetanus which was developed in 1927
The vaccine is considered very safe, with minor side effects in less than 1% of users
The tetanus vaccine is recommended for everyone; 3 doses are given during childhood, creating immunity, and booster vaccinations are recommended every 10 years
The complete series of tetanus vaccinations paired with boosters has almost 100% efficiency in preventing tetanus
Those unvaccinated with a deep, possibly tetanus-infected cut are usually treated with TIG, or tetanus immunoglobulin, which has antibodies to fight tetanus infection
Tetanus Fact #4
All tetanus vaccines also include protection from diptheria

7. Only 10-20% of tetanus cases prove fatal
Tetanus Fatality Rates
Tetanus Fact #5
Only 10-20% of tetanus cases prove fatal
Tetanus is extremely rare in developed countries, and the tiny number of people who get it are unvaccinated. Vaccinated people have a less than 1% chance of acquiring tetanus.
Tetanus is more prominent in third world countries without access to vaccine or with unsanitary conditions and lack of medical supplies; here it can also be fatal
The largest source of tetanus in third world countries is neonatal tetanus, which affects newborn children
Often these newborns will acquire tetanus by an unsanitary umbilical cord cut which becomes infected
Death is swift and painful for these newborns; after contracting neonatal tetanus mortality rates are between 70%-100%

8. Looking in the Future
Tetanus rates decrease every year; annually reported cases are in the tens for developed countries like the U.S. (30 in 2015) and the U.K. (6 in 2015)
Many countries, like Ghana, are great success stories, having rapidly declining annual tetanus cases with the introduction of vaccination. Ghana went from 456 cases in 2012, to 1 case in 2013 and 2014, and 0 in 2015.
By raising awareness for tetanus and spreading the vaccine, especially in underdeveloped countries, we can bring annual tetanus cases worldwide to a fraction of 1%

9. Citations
1) “About Tetanus”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 10, Accessed April
2) “Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT)”. ELIMINATE Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Unicef & Kiwanis International. 13 September Accessed 8 April 2017.
3) Nordqvist, Christian. “Tetanus: Symptoms, causes, and treatments”. Medical News Today. MediLexicon Intl., 23 Feb Accessed 8 April 2017.
4) “Tetanus (total) Reported Cases”. World Health Organization. 18 November Accessed 7 April 2017.

10. The End