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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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Tetanus
Background
Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system that is caused by bacteria that enters the body through a break in the skin.
Symptoms
Early symptoms include lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing. Later onset symptoms include severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, and severe autonomic nervous system disorders. 10-20% of cases result in death, higher rates among older adults.
Prevention
Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine that can prevent tetanus from developing. Current recommendations for the 5-dose vaccine schedule are: 2 months old, 4 months old, 6 months old, 15-18 months ond, and 4-6 years old. Adults who have not received the childhood vaccinations should receive a 3-dose tetanus shot series, and all adults should receive booster shots every 10 years.
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