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Tetanus Information for the Public
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani (C. tetani), that are found in the environment. Tetanus is an uncommon but very serious disease that requires immediate treatment in a hospital.
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Transmission
Tetanus spores are found in the environment in soil, dust, and manure. The spores get into the body through cuts and wounds and develop into bacteria.
People don't spread tetanus bacteria to other people.
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Prevent
The best way to prevent tetanus is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for everyone.
Immediate and good wound care can also help prevent infection.
- Apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds
- Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns and need advice
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Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms typically occur between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days) after someone is exposed to C. tetani.
The first sign is most commonly spasms of the jaw muscles, or "lockjaw."
Other symptoms can include:
- Trouble swallowing
- Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms — often in the stomach
- Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
- Seizures (jerking or staring)
- Headache
- Fever and sweating
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
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Risk of Disease
- Tetanus spores are found in the environment in soil, dust, and manure.
- Before vaccination, there were 500-600 cases each year in the U.S.
- In 2018 there were 23 cases reported, and no deaths.
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Reporting
Tetanus is a notifiable disease. A notifiable disease is one that doctors must report to state or local public health officials.
Public health officials track some diseases because they can spread easily, are serious, or happen often.
Notifiable diseases in Michigan:
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Condition
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Pathogen -
Questions About
Get answers to frequently answered questions about Tetanus and the vaccine used to prevent it.
Tetanus: Questions and Answers (immunize.org)
Ask The Experts About Vaccines: Tetanus (Immunize.org)
Video: Which Adults Need a Tdap Vaccine? (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Video: DTaP Vaccine - Vaccines and Your Baby (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Video (Spanish): Cómo proteger a su familia del tétanos (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Video (Spanish): Tétanos: síntomas, causas y prevención (American Academy of Pediatrics)
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For More Information
Diphtheria Vaccination
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis: The Diseases & Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Video: DTaP Vaccine - Vaccines and Your Baby (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
How Vaccines Work
Video: How Do Vaccines Work? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Spanish version: ¿Cómo funcionan las vacunas? (American Academy of Pediatrics) -
Access Your Immunization Record
If you have been immunized in the State of Michigan, you may be able to download your immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
Visit the Michigan Immunization Portal to learn more or contact your healthcare provider.