Tetanus

Tetanus is a very serious, potentially fatal disease that typically occurs in people who have not been vaccinated. Caused by Clostridium tetani, it generally enters the body through a deep wound in the skin, such as a puncture caused by stepping on a nail. While rare in the United States and other developed countries, tetanus kills approximately 300,000 people a year worldwide. ""Tetanus"" describes the characteristics of the disease, which includes powerful muscle contractions and a form of paralysis called lockjaw, and details its prevention and treatment. The historical background of the disease and the future trends of treatment and prevention are also covered. A better understanding of tetanus can help everyone take steps to make this disease even less common.Chapters include: What Is Tetanus? Tetanus in History, How Is Tetanus Treated? How Is Tetanus Prevented? And, Future Prospects Regarding Tetanus.