tetanus

Acute disease caused by the toxin of the bacillus Clostridium tetani, which usually enters the body through a wound. The bacterium is chiefly found in richly manured soil. Untreated, in seven to ten days tetanus produces muscular spasm and rigidity of the jaw spreading to other parts of the body, convulsions, and death. There is a vaccine, and the disease may be treatable with tetanus antitoxin and antibiotics.

Neonatal (newborn) tetanus is the most common form of tetanus in the developing world. It is caused by cutting the umbilical cord with non-sterile instruments. It affects around half a million newborns per year (2006), with a very high fatality rate (95% if untreated, 25–90% with treatment).