Tetanus infectious disease ?

Jewett City

Explain why stepping on a dirty nail increases the risk of getting tetanus. i cant find the answer anywhere.



Pulaski

What is tetanus? Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound. The tetanus bacterium live in soil and manure, but also can be found in the human intestine and other places. * Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months. * Tetanus is very uncommon in the US due to widespread immunization. Fewer than 60 cases every year occur in the US. How is tetanus transmitted? Tetanus is not a contagious illness. It occurs in individuals who have had a skin or deep tissue wound or puncture. It is also seen in the umbilical stump of infants in underdeveloped countries. This occurs in places where immunization to tetanus is not widespread and women may not know proper care of the stump after the baby is born. After being exposed to tetanus, it may take between 2 days to 2 months to develop any symptoms. In infants, symptoms may take between 5 days to 2 weeks to develop. What are the symptoms of tetanus? The following are the most common symptoms of tetanus. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: * stiffness of jaw (also called lockjaw) * stiffness of abdominal and back muscles * contraction of facial muscles * fast pulse * fever * sweating * painful muscle spasms near the wound area (if these affect the larynx or chest wall, they may cause asphyxiation) * difficulty swallowingThe symptoms of tetanus may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.