Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis are infectious diseases that can spread from person to person (D & aP) or through cuts or wounds on the body (T).
Tetanus causes painful stiffening of the muscles especially affecting the jaw and can lead to serious health problems including having trouble swallowing and breathing. Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure and paralysis. Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough,” can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing causing difficulty breathing, eating, or drinking.
These infectious diseases are present worldwide, but are more prevalent in developing countries where access to vaccinations are limited.