Westfield Public Health Bulletin: Tetanus making a comeback amid anti-vax sentiment

Yes, COVID-19 rates continue to rise. Again, not much more to write about that. It has been said ad nauseam. The anti-vaccination sentiment that has increased following the pandemic has affected public and personal health. It has decreased routine use of vaccines that have proven to be successful. Tetanus vaccination rates are decreasing and the incidence of the disease has increased.

Tetanus was referenced in the Old Testament as the “seventh-day death.” Tetanus is a bacterial disease that is caused by Clostridium tetani. The bacteria infect via an open wound. The bacteria are found in soil, ash, intestinal tracts/feces of animals and humans, surfaces of skin and rusty nails, needles, barbed wire and more. The bacteria are very resistant to heat and most antiseptics. The spores can survive for years.

Once in the wound, tetanus spores produce a toxin called tetanospasmin. This poison attaches to nerves around the wound then spreads to nerves in the spinal cord and muscles. The toxin blocks the neurotransmitter that carries signals to nerves and muscles, resulting in violent contractions and spasms. These can be so severe they break bones and tear muscles.