Tetanus is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person. Instead, it is contracted through exposure to a certain bacterium. A person can contract tetanus through any of the following: - Wounds contaminated with feces, manure, or saliva - Burns - Superficial wounds - Insect bites - Injections - IV drug use - Puncture wounds - Crush injuries - Intramuscular injections - Sores, blisters, and infections - Compound fractures - Dental infections - Surgical procedures - Injuries with dead tissue