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What to know about tetanus, a dangerous but preventable disease
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- Tetanus remains a serious threat in the US, with 402 cases and 37 deaths reported between 2009 and 2023, alongside four pediatric cases in 2024, highlighting concerns amid declining vaccination rates.
- The disease is caused by Clostridium tetani spores entering the body through wounds, not by rust itself, and can lead to severe muscle spasms, respiratory failure, and even death if untreated.
- Vaccination is key to prevention, with children recommended to receive five doses starting at 2 months, a booster at age 11 or 12, and adults needing a booster every 10 years; pregnant individuals should receive Tdap during each pregnancy.
- Those most at risk include unvaccinated individuals, children whose caregivers decline vaccines, and older adults, particularly women over 80 who may have missed early vaccination programs.
- Tetanus is not contagious, so individual vaccination is crucial as herd immunity does not apply; prompt medical care for contaminated wounds and staying current with vaccines are essential to protection.
