TETANUS AND IT'S PREVENTION IN THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw is a very deadly infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani present in soil, saliva, manure and dust.

Incubation period is 3 to 21 days after infection.

This bacterium enters through the skin through a break in the skin through a cut or a puncture wound by a rusty nail or contaminated object.
 Also through animal bites.

It causes painful muscle spasms which could lead to fractures and muscle tears.

The disease is not spread between people.

Very common especially in tropical climates.

This bacterium produces poisons that affect muscle contractions especially the muscles of the jaw, face, chest,neck and back.

Symptoms include fever, excessive sweating, headache,trouble swallowing,difficulty in breathing especially if the breathing muscles are affected, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, uncontrolled urination or defecation.

It can also affect the heart and lungs causing untimely death.

infection can be prevented by Immunization with the tetanus toxoid  (tt) vaccine or tetanus immune globulin.

PLEASE LET'S GET VACCINATED WHENEVER WE ARE INJURED BY A RUSTY NAIL/CONTAMINATED OBJECT OR BITTEN BY AN ANIMAL.

Thanks

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@dr.tm_themedicaltruth