tetani thrives on fecal matter. Unvaccinated, one could get tetanus by cutting oneself in one's kitchen, from bacteria that came in on the vegetables, or that blew in on dust, Schaffner said. And spores can survive in saltwater, so my mother's worries were not entirely unwarranted.
In fact, in the presence of water (like flood water), the Clostridium tetani spores that enter the body with a puncture wound actually are likely to have already sporulated and pose less risk of causing tetanus than a dry puncture not associated with flooding and water.
A tetanus infection starts when spores of the Clostridium tetani bacterium enter the body through broken skin. Most people link tetanus with an injury like stepping on a rusty nail. But tetanus is everywhere: in soil, dust and animal waste.
Rust Doesn't Give You Tetanus.
The bacterium that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. The bacterium can survive in a dormant state in soil and animal feces. It's essentially shut down until it discovers a place to thrive.
Antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, penicillin) are used to kill the tetanus bacteria, the source of the toxin, but they are too slow-acting to be the only treatment. If there is an open wound where the tetanus bacteria are thriving, then that wound is surgically cleaned to physically remove any tetanus bacteria.
Tetanus is a very rare disease. In the U.S., the odds of getting tetanus are approximately 1.5 per million. Since 70% of those who develop the disease fully recover, only 1 per 5 million will die.
Tetanus can be prevented through immunization with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCV). However, people who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.
Symptoms of tetanus may not begin to appear until a week after the injury, so as a rule of thumb, try to get the tetanus booster shot within 48 hours of the injury.
Do I need a tetanus shot for a small puncture? A: It depends. If the wound is small and clean, you probably don't need a tetanus shot. However, if the wound is large or dirty, you may need a booster shot.
Careful cleaning of wounds, both deep and superficial, can substantially decrease the risk of tetanus.
Spores of the bacterium C tetani are found in the soil, and in animal feces and mouth (gastrointestinal tract). In the spore form, C tetani can remain inactive in the soil. But it can remain infectious for more than 40 years.
In addition, oyster shells in particular carry certain bacteria that may require you to receive a tetanus shot. If the cut is superficial, and does not show signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or oozing, you should apply a topical antiseptic and bandage.
Mortality in the United States resulting from generalized tetanus is 30% overall, 52% in patients older than 60 years, and 13% in patients younger than 60 years. Mortality is substantially higher for people older than 60 years (40%) than for those aged 20-59 years (8%).
You can get it through a cut or other wound. Tetanus bacteria are common in soil, dust, and manure. The tetanus bacteria can infect a person even through a tiny scratch. But you're more likely to get tetanus through deep punctures from wounds created by nails or knives.
Appropriate tetanus prophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible following a wound but should be given even to patients who present late for medical attention.
If you have an injury where you think tetanus could be a possibility and haven't had a booster shot within the past 5 years, you should get to the hospital within 24 hours. It's important to know that the size of the wound doesn't matter when it comes to tetanus.
Apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds like blisters, scrapes, or any break in the skin. Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible. Consult your doctor if you have concerns and need further advice.
The incubation period — time from exposure to illness — is usually between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days). However, it may range from 1 day to several months, depending on the kind of wound. Most cases occur within 14 days.
The symptoms of tetanus usually develop 4 to 21 days after infection. On average, they start after around 10 days. The main symptoms include: stiffness in your jaw muscles (lockjaw), which can make opening your mouth difficult.
You may need a tetanus vaccine if the injury has broken your skin and your tetanus vaccinations are not up to date. Tetanus is a serious but rare condition that can be fatal if untreated. The bacteria that can cause tetanus can enter your body through a wound or cut in your skin. They're often found in soil and manure.
Tetanus is rare in Australia because of high vaccination coverage.
The risk of death from tetanus is highest among people 60 years of age or older. Diabetes, a history of immunosuppression, and intravenous drug use may be risk factors for tetanus.
The disease itself is rare in the United States because the tetanus vaccine is so effective and is regularly administered to our population. However, the bacteria that causes tetanus isn't rare, and its spores are found most commonly in dust, soil, feces and saliva.