11.06.2025
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2 min reading Tetanus: What you need to know about the deadly “scratch disease”
Tetanus is a serious infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms. Even with medical care, the risk of death can reach 80%, reports Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The causative agent of tetanus is a bacterium Clostridium tetani — enters the body through wounds, burns, animal bites, scratches, or when using unsterile instruments for piercing, tattoos, or injections. The main source of infection is soil and animal excrement. It is important to remember that tetanus is not transmitted from person to person, and antiseptics are not able to destroy the bacterium. In 2022–the first half of 2024, 21 cases of tetanus were registered in Ukraine, 5 of them among children.
Tetanus: symptoms
The first symptoms of tetanus can appear 3–21 days after infection. The main signs include:
- painful muscle spasms that can make breathing and swallowing difficult;
- clenching of the jaws, which prevents the mouth from opening;
- increase in body temperature above 38℃;
- excessive sweating and increased heart rate;
- In some cases, bone fractures are possible.
If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Complications of tetanus can include pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. The chances of recovery depend on timely treatment, the patient's general health, and their age.
Source: Freepik
Tetanus treatment
Treatment of tetanus is complex and requires immediate medical attention. The main measures for treating tetanus are:
Treatment for tetanus includes:
- Antitoxins: administration of tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralize toxins.
- Antibiotics: penicillin or metronidazole to kill bacteria.
- Wound cleaning: surgical removal of infected tissues.
- Faces: muscle relaxants and sedatives to control spasms and anxiety.
- Artificial ventilation: if necessary, respiratory support with a machine.
- Intensive therapy: continuous monitoring in intensive care.
- Rehabilitation: restoration of muscle functions through physiotherapy.
Source: Freepik
Protection from work
The most effective way to protect against tetanus is vaccination, which is included in the National Vaccination Calendar. It provides protection not only against tetanus, but also against diphtheria and pertussis. To receive free vaccination, you should contact your family doctor. Vaccines are available in all regions of Ukraine.
The first three doses of the vaccine are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with the first booster at 18 months, followed by boosters at 6 and 16 years of age, and then every 10 years. Even if you have missed some doses, it is important to complete the vaccination course. If you are not sure whether you have been vaccinated, your doctor can help you develop an individual vaccination schedule.
In case of injury, contact with dirt or an animal bite, you should seek immediate medical attention. If it has been more than 5 years since your last vaccination, you may need a tetanus toxoid injection.
A supplementary immunization campaign against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis has been launched in Ukraine since August 1 for those who missed their scheduled vaccinations in previous years. All vaccines according to the National Vaccination Calendar are provided free of charge.
The editorial opinion may not coincide with the opinion of the author of the article.
Use of photos: Clause 4, Article 21 of the Law of Ukraine "On Copyright and Related Rights" - "Reproduction for the purpose of covering current events by means of photography or cinematography, public communication or communication of works seen or heard during such events, to the extent justified by the informational purpose."
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