Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide all around us. The bacterium Clostridium tetani is found in soil contaminated with animal feces. Travelers are most likely to contract the disease as a result of a wound contaminated with soil, or in the case of deeper wounds caused by rusty objects or severe tissue contusion.

In the Czech Republic, thanks to mandatory vaccination, cases of tetanus occur only very rarely. A higher risk of infection persists in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Western Pacific.

The clinical course is characterized by painful muscle cramps and spasms, which can also affect the respiratory muscles and lead to respiratory arrest. The patient remains fully conscious throughout the course of the illness, which can lead to long-term psychological consequences if the infection is overcome. Recovering from the disease does not confer lifelong immunity, so it is possible to become infected again!

Every traveler should know the exact date of their last tetanus vaccination. If more than 10 years have passed since then, it’s a good idea to get a booster shot before you leave. This will help you avoid not only health complications during your trip but also unnecessarily high costs, since vaccinations abroad are often significantly more expensive for travelers.