Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium (Clostridium tetani). This bacterium produces a toxin (tetanospasmin) that attacks the nervous system. The symptoms are terrible and, in some cases, can cause death. The most common symptoms are: jaw cramps or inability to open the mouth, sudden and painful muscular spasms (often in the back, abdomen and extremities), difficulty swallowing, convulsions, headaches, fever, sweating, changes in blood pressure , fast heartbeat, respiratory block ... How is tetanus contracted? Tetanus is not contagious and is not transmitted from one person to another. The tetanus bacterium is widespread in the environment. It can then penetrate the body through a dirty wound or during the umbilical cord section in the newborn (exclusively in developing countries). The bacteria will then produce its toxin that will attack the nervous system. The incubation period (period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) ranges from 3 to 21 days. Clostridium tetani can not be eradicated from the environment. Many wounds are therefore at risk of tetanus: bites, bites of splinters / spines, wounds contaminated by soil or animal waste, wounds with crushing of neighboring tissues. Tetanus in recrudescence? Tetanus affects about 20 people a year in Italy. These cases are, more often, older people whose vaccination is not up to date. When it occurs, highlights Giovanni D'Agata president of the "Rights Window", The pathology can be very serious and lead to death. Unfortunately, in Italy, vaccination coverage is often inadequate in adolescence. Tetanus is a disease that could be totally prevented by vaccination and cleaning and disinfecting wounds. It is essential to pay close attention to contaminated wounds and ensure vaccination coverage (basic vaccination + booster every 10 years).
