Tetanus: potentially fatal without vaccine

TETANUS

WHAT IS IT?

*Commonly known as lock-jaw, it's an infection caused by a bacteria which attacks the nervous system

*The bacteria is still present in Australia but cases are rare given most people are immunised at an early age.

SYMPTOMS

*Painful muscle spasms that begin the jaw

*Stiff neck, shoulder and back muscles

*Convulsions.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

*Usually enters the bloodstream from soil, dust or manure through an open cut or wound. The infection is not contagious.

TREATMENT

*There is no cure and treatment can be a combination of antibiotics, antitoxins or surgery to deal with the complications of the infection.

PREVENTION

*Immunisation is key. The vaccine is available for Australian children aged two, four and six months, with booster doses at 18 months, four years and 10-15 years.