Tetanus
Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Tetanus bacteria typically enter the body through a wound or cut. The bacteria make a toxin that causes severe muscle spasms. There is now less tetanus in BC because of tetanus vaccines.
Four cases of tetanus were reported in BC in 2007. These are the first cases of tetanus reported in BC since 2001. |
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| One case was in a child who had minor injury outdoors and was unimmunized due to philosophical objections.The other three cases were aged over 50 years. None had an available record of immunization. All three of these cases were fatal. |
Information for Health Professionals
Last Updated: March 15, 2012