Lockjaw
Lockjaw, or, more correctly, Tetanus, is very rare in the United States due to the very high immunization rates of persons living here. Tetanus is difficult to treat, but is completely preventable through vaccination. Children receive tetanus vaccine in combination with the pertussis and diphtheria vaccine. After childhood, adults need a booster injection every 10 years to make sure they are protected.
Tetanus is caused by infection with the bacteria Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are common in the soil but are quickly killed by oxygen. Any wound or cut contaminated with the soil and not open to the air (such as a puncture wound or even a rose prick) will provide a suitable environment for the bacteria. Tetanus is usually acquired when a person who has not been immunized acquires such a wound by stepping on a dirty nail or being cut by a dirty tool. The bacteria infect the wound and produce a toxin that spreads through the blood. This toxin can cause severe muscle spasms, paralysis, and frequently death.
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About this information: These definitions were provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes for Health and other government health agencies. This information is for educational purposes only. If you are concerned about your health or your child's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment.
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