The disease is now fairly uncommon in most industrialised countries but may be a more significant cause of death in some countries, including parts of Asia, Africa and South America. Highest fatality occurs in infants and elderly people. In Australia death occurs in about 10 per cent of cases. Early symptoms of infection with C. tetani include localised peripheral nerve and muscle spasms. As the organism multiplies at the wound site, toxin spreads via the bloodstream causing generalised spasms and convulsions.
Death usually results from respiratory failure, hypertension, hypotension or cardiac arrhythmia.
Tetanus is not directly transmitted from person to person. Prevention Effective vaccines are available for tetanus. DTP is a combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine. Tetanus immunisation should normally be part of the standard childhood vaccination schedule. Although immunity following complete vaccination is long lasting, maintenance of immunity with booster doses at 10 year intervals is recommended.