TETANUS: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION.

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscles throughout the body to tighten. Tetanus infection is also called "Locked jaw". Because the infection cause the jaw and neck muscles to contract. over a short period of time this contraction will spread to other parts of the body. Tetanus infection could be fatal if not well treated.

What is the cause of Tetanus Infection?

- A bacteria called Clostridium tetani. Spores of the bacteria can be found in dust, dirt, and animal droppings. Spores are small reproductive bodies produced by certain organisms. They are often very resistant to harsh environmental conditions, like high heat.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOMES INFECTED

- When the spores of clostridium tetani enters a person's bloodstream through a cut or wound. The spores release the bacteria, which then spread throughout the body and produce a toxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin is a poison that blocks the nerve signals from your spinal cord to your muscles. This can lead to severe muscle spasms.
other causes of Tetanus include: burns, puncture wounds from piercings, tattoos, or injection drug use, animal bites, wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva, dental infections, insect bites, chronic sores and infections

Symptoms of tetanus:

Dificulty in swallowing
Muscular spasms. 
neck stiffness,    
fast heart rate
fever
sweating
high blood pressure

How can i prevent tetanus

1. Vaccination: Vaccination can prevent tetanus infections, but only if you receive your booster shots on schedule.

2. Proper treatment and cleaning of wounds can also help prevent the infection. If you are injured outside and think your injury has made contact with soil, call your healthcare provider and ask about your risk of getting infected with tetanus.