Tetanus
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.
Causes of infection
C. tetani bacteria are widespread in dust, soil and manure. Bacterial spores thrive in anaerobic conditions, meaning they grow well without oxygen. Spores enter dead tissue or deep wounds. Then, they grow into bacteria and release a toxin. This toxin leads to tetanus disease.
The spores can get into someone's body through broken skin, usually through injuries or wounds. This is especially true if the wound is deep or contaminated with dirt. Puncture wounds, like stepping on a nail, are risky. Burn wounds and crush injuries are also at higher risk of infection. They are more likely to get infected than shallow wounds.
Tetanus is not spread from person to person.
Signs and symptoms
When someone gets tetanus, their muscles tighten painfully, affecting the whole body. It can even cause the jaw to “lock,” making it hard to open the mouth or swallow. About one or two out of every 10 cases result in death.
Symptoms typically occur between three and 21 days (eight days, on average) 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
- Breathing problems
When to seek emergency care
Tetanus requires immediate treatment. Contact your health care provider if you have tetanus symptoms.
Vaccines
To stay safe, everyone — from babies to older adults — needs protection. Vaccines like DTaP, Tdap, DT and Td help prevent tetanus. Children get these shots routinely, and booster shots keep immunity strong throughout life.
Workers in high-risk jobs for severe wounds should stay current with their tetanus booster. If you have wounds and are around dust or dirt, like after floods or disasters, get a tetanus booster.
Data and Trends
Tetanus cases have dropped by 95% nationally since disease reporting began in 1947. Deaths are down by 99%. Tetanus cases still pop up in people who aren’t current on their vaccinations. If they don’t get a tetanus shot after a wound, they are at risk.
This page was last modified on 06/18/2026