Tetanus (also called lockjaw) is an infection caused by germs in dirt. It is usually caught through wounds made by sharp, dirty objects such as rusty tools/animal bites. It is NOT spread person-to-person. Women are at risk if contaminated instruments are used in childbirth. Newborns are at risk if infected equipment is used to cut the umbilical chord or if infected soil/charcoal gets in the chord. Tetanus can cause serious illness and death. Tetanus can be prevented by a vaccination.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation