Whether mountain biking or climbing, but also hiking or just going for a walk - where the wilderness calls, invisible dangers also lurk. One of these is tetanus, also known as lockjaw. Even the smallest of injuries, which are quickly sustained during sporting activities, harbour a risk of infection. However, this risk can be easily minimised with the right precautions.
Tetanus: an underestimated threat
Tetanus is caused by bacteria that are found in the environment worldwide. They are particularly common in soil and animal faeces. This means that the risk of infection lurks practically everywhere - in the forest, in the mountains or even in the garden at home. Even tiny wounds can be enough for the pathogens to enter the body and release their dangerous toxins.
The first symptoms of a tetanus infection usually appear between three days and three weeks after the injury. Initially there may be a slight tingling or numbness at the wound site. However, this is soon followed by severe muscle cramps, which can spread from the area of the wound to larger muscle groups and the face.
Life-threatening complications possible
In the face, the disease can lead to a characteristic stiffening of the mimic and chewing muscles. Those affected appear to smile permanently, which is known as the "devil's grin". At the same time, speech and swallowing difficulties often occur.
In addition to the face, the neck, back and other muscle areas can also be affected by the cramps. Without medical treatment, tetanus can become life-threatening. The greatest danger is that the muscle spasms can lead to a narrowing of the airways.
For this reason, a tetanus infection usually requires intensive medical care. Despite modern treatment options, 10-20 per cent of those infected still die according to the Robert Koch Institute. Without treatment, a tetanus infection is always fatal.
Tetanus vaccination for protection
The best protection against tetanus is a timely vaccination. Whether you're camping in the wilderness or mountain biking on challenging trails - the possibilities for injury are many and varied. Therefore, now at the start of the season is the best time to check with your doctor whether your immunisation is still up to date or if you have any at all. Basic immunisation begins in childhood and can provide protection for many years. However, this protection does not last a lifetime.
Regular refresher course recommended
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) therefore recommends that the adult tetanus vaccination should be given every ten years. If the vaccination status is unclear, vaccinations are often given as a precautionary measure after an injury in order to minimise the risk. If you do a lot of sport or enjoy being outdoors, you should make sure you are vaccinated in good time. Many health insurance companies also cover booster vaccinations every 10 years.
The facts about tetanus
What are tetanus bacteria?
Tetanus bacteria can be found almost everywhere in the world, e.g. in soil. The bacteria Clostridium (C.) tetani enter the body via the smallest, inconspicuous injuries (such as a splinter of wood in a finger), multiply and produce toxins in the body which can cause severe muscle cramps.
Any injury to the skin can lead to a tetanus infection!
Transmission
Tetanus bacteria can be found almost everywhere in the world in soil and animal faeces from horses or cattle, for example. Caution is advised, especially during outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but also when gardening: The bacteria can enter the body through even the smallest of injuries caused by broken glass or thorns.
Symptoms & incubation period
The incubation period is between 3 days and 3 weeks. The symptoms are
- Difficulty opening the mouth due to cramping of the chewing muscles
- Breathing problems
- Sudden, painful muscle cramps
- "Devil's grin" due to cramping of the facial muscles
- Hyperextension of the back and neck muscles
One possible consequence
Shortness of breath or suffocation due to a narrowing of the airways and spasms of the diaphragm are among the possible complications. Around 10 to 20 % of patients die despite intensive medical care.
Vaccination can provide effective protection!
The STIKO recommends tetanus vaccination for all infants from the age of 2 months.
Basic immunisation
- Vaccination: At the age of 2 months (from the 8th week of life)
- Vaccination: At the age of 4 months (8 weeks after the 1st vaccination)
- Vaccination: At the age of 11 months (interval to 2nd vaccination dose: at least 6 months)
Booster vaccinations for children, adolescents & adults
- Booster vaccination: For children aged 5 to 6 years (before starting school)
- Booster vaccination: For children and adolescents aged 9 to 16 years
- Then a booster vaccination every 10 years
Marc Strucken
Editor
