Tetanus (from Ancient Greek τέτανος 'tension, stretched, rigid'), also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani and characterized by muscle spasms. In the most common …

Dec 21, 2023 · Overview Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck …

Tetanus is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization, multiple medications, and supportive care.

Nov 29, 2025 · Tetanus is a medical emergency. You need to get treatment in a hospital. A vaccine can prevent tetanus. It is given as a part of routine childhood vaccination. Adults should get a tetanus …

Oct 21, 2025 · Tetanus is a life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins affecting the nerves, causing lockjaw. Reviewed by a board-certified physician.

Jul 12, 2024 · Overview Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores are found everywhere in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, …

Tetanus (Lockjaw) It isn’t the rust on that nail or sharp bit of metal that causes tetanus. That rust just means it could have tetanus-causing bacteria on it. But if you get a scratch or a puncture wound from …

Aug 30, 2024 · Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects your nervous system. From symptoms to treatment to prevention, get the basics on tetanus from the experts at WebMD.

May 28, 2025 · Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Although these bacteria are especially common in the soil and manure of farms, they can …

Dec 29, 2025 · Tetanus cases slightly rise in the U.S. as childhood DTaP vaccination rates decline and climate-related disasters increase, per NBC News and Stanford.