What situations can lead to tetanus?
Tetanus: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Understanding Tetanus: Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. It’s caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can be found in soil, dust, and animal feces. The bacteria can enter the body through a wound, such as a cut, puncture, or burn. If someone has a wound that’s infected with this bacteria and hasn’t received a tetanus vaccine in the past, or if the wound hasn’t been properly cleaned or treated after the injury, the risk of developing tetanus increases. Additionally, older... Learn more