According to DOH-Santa Rosa, tetanus is an infection of the nervous system caused by bacteria found in soil, animal feces or on a rusty nail. Transmission occurs from brushing broken skin against contaminated objects.
Once infected, the Mayo Clinic says the incubation period is anywhere from three to 21 days; symptoms can include:
• Painful muscle spasms and stiff, immovable muscles in the jaw
• Tension of muscles around the lips
• Spasm and rigidity in neck muscles
• Difficulty swallowing
• Rigid abdominal muscles
The Mayo Clinic says tetanus is a life-threatening disease, and if signs show that you have it, you should seek emergency care. If you have a clean wound and a tetanus shot within the past 10 years, you can care for your injury at home.
If a person hasn’t had a shot in the past 10 years, or if they have a deep wound, or the wound is contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, rust or saliva, they should seek medical care.
