This Deadly and Entirely Preventable Disease Is On the Rise. Here's How You Can Stay Safe

Key Points:

• Tetanus cases in the U.S. have been increasing recently, with 33 cases reported in 2025 compared to 18 in 2023, raising concerns among public health officials despite historically low numbers due to vaccination.
• The bacterial infection Clostridium tetani, found in soil and rust, causes tetanus when it enters the body through cuts or wounds, producing a toxin that leads to severe muscle spasms, lockjaw, and potentially fatal complications.
• Most tetanus cases occur in individuals who have not been vaccinated or did not complete the vaccine series, with recent increases linked to vaccine hesitancy, particularly among children whose parents refused vaccination.
• Tetanus is highly preventable through vaccination, and experts emphasize the importance of adhering to vaccine schedules and receiving booster shots after injuries to reduce the risk of infection.
• Recovery from tetanus can be prolonged and severe, often requiring intensive medical care, highlighting the critical need for prevention through vaccination to avoid this painful and sometimes deadly disease.