tetanus incidence rate

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on May 22, 2025
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Tetanus is caused by the invasion of tetanus bacillus into the body through skin and mucous membranes. It generally grows faster in an anaerobic environment, causing specific changes in muscles, and in severe cases, can lead to body spasms and other issues. It usually invades nerves, leading to nerve damage. The incidence rate depends on the patient's health status. If the patient's immunity is low, the incidence rate can reach over 90%, and more than 90% of patients will show symptoms within two weeks of injury, potentially retaining some infectious issues. Therefore, timely handling of tetanus bacillus infections is necessary to achieve the best preventive effects. The incubation period for tetanus is usually about one week.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus allergic symptoms

The primary allergic reaction to tetanus is anaphylactic shock. Some patients may experience skin redness, itching, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, pale complexion, and cold sweats within minutes after receiving the tetanus vaccine. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain. Additionally, blood pressure may drop, and the pulse may slow down. In severe cases, coma can occur, and even cessation of heartbeat and breathing. The second type of allergic reaction is serum sickness, which can occur after a tetanus injection, characterized by erythema, edema, and itching at the injection site.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How is tetanus diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of tetanus, it mainly relies on relevant medical history and clinical manifestations. In terms of laboratory diagnosis, most cases involve culture of Clostridium tetani from wound tissue or polymerase chain reaction testing. Generally, a positive result can confirm a diagnosis of tetanus, but a negative result does not rule it out. Most laboratories are unable to perform these tests, and even if tetanus antibodies reach a protective level, it does not exclude a diagnosis of tetanus. If the patient has a clear history of injury or animal bites, and presents with symptoms such as lockjaw, a sardonic smile, muscle rigidity, difficulty swallowing, or persistent spasms, tetanus should be considered promptly and relevant treatment initiated.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is there still a cure for tetanus attacks?

Tetanus is usually a specific infection caused by Clostridium tetani in the human body. In the early stages of tetanus, it mainly manifests as dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, weak chewing, some muscle soreness, or increased muscle reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity may occur. During a tetanus attack, symptoms mainly include lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, a sardonic smile, stiffness in the neck, opisthotonus, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest. When a tetanus attack occurs, it is imperative to go to the hospital for treatment timely. Through standard treatment and care, most cases of tetanus can be cured if there are no particularly severe complications.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Will a lacerated wound lead to tetanus?

Tetanus is usually caused by an infection with Clostridium tetani. As Clostridium tetani are anaerobic bacteria, they proliferate extensively in an oxygen-free environment. If a wound is small and shallow, and completely open to air, it is generally not susceptible to tetanus infection. However, if the wound is deep and the external opening is small, creating an anaerobic condition inside, it is easy to contract tetanus. Therefore, it is generally recommended to administer a tetanus antitoxin following an injury, as an internal infection with tetanus can lead to very serious conditions, potentially resulting in death.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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When to get a tetanus shot?

Tetanus is caused by the invasion of the body by tetanus bacillus, a type of anaerobic bacterium that generally thrives in anoxic environments or heavily contaminated wounds such as those exposed to polluted soil or rust. Therefore, if the wound is deep, is in an anoxic environment, or is severely contaminated with soil, rust, or is an open fracture with expanded area, explosive injury, gunshot wound, or animal bite, tetanus treatment is required. Tetanus injections include tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test, with an injection generally recommended within 24 hours.