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Tetanus
A dangerous nerve ailment caused by the toxin of a common bacterium, Clostridium tetani.
Symptoms:
- Inability to open the mouth, which is why tetanus is also called lockjaw.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Contracted face muscles.
- Muscle spasms in the neck, back, abdomen and limbs and these may make breathing difficult.
Seriousness:
- Medical emergency.
Treatment:
- If your child has a deep wound that may be contaminated with garden soil, rust or animal manure take them to the hospital immediately as it is bacteria entering the body through the wound that cause tetanus.
- Even if your child has been immunised against tetanus, she will receive another tetanus shot at the hospital.
