Where is the tetanus germ found?
The tetanus germ is present throughout the environment and is commonly found in soil contaminated with manure. What are the symptoms of tetanus? A common first sign of tetanus is muscular stiffness in the jaw (lockjaw), followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, rigidity of abdominal muscles, spasms, sweating and fever. How soon after infection do symptoms occur? The incubation period is usually eight days but may range from three days to three weeks. Shorter incubation periods are associated with more heavily contaminated wounds. Does past infection with tetanus make a person immune? Recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity. Second attacks can occur and immunization is indicated after recovery. What is the treatment for tetanus? Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned, and dead or devitalized tissue removed. If the patient has not had a tetanus toxoid booster in the previous 10 years, a single booster injection should be administered on the day of injury. For sev
