NSW Health is urging people across the State to ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations following three cases this year, including one death.
Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Christine Selvey said the recent death of a woman in her 80s followed two other notifications of tetanus this year.
Dr Selvey said they were the first tetanus cases reported in NSW since 2019, and the death was the first due to tetanus since 1993.
“Tetanus is a rare, but potentially fatal disease,” Dr Selvey said.
“Vaccination is the best protection against tetanus.”
She said that in Australia, the disease mostly occurred in older people, usually women, who were inadequately immunised.
Dr Selvey said that in all three female cases recently, tetanus was acquired from a minor wound on the woman’s lower leg which was contaminated by garden soil.
She said two of the women had no record of tetanus vaccination and the third had a vaccine more than 30 years ago.
“This serves as a reminder for all older Australians to check their tetanus vaccination status,” the Director said.
“If there is any doubt, speak to your general practitioner about whether you should have a tetanus vaccine.”
Dr Selvey said tetanus (sometimes called lock-jaw) was a disease caused by a bacteria found in soil, “the bacteria can enter wounds and produce a toxin that attacks a person’s nervous system.”
Further information on Tetanus can be accessed at this 2-page PS News link.
