The Return of Tetanus: A Preventable Threat

A Disease Once Under Control

Tetanus, a disease once under control in the U.S., is making a concerning comeback. This resurgence is attributed to two main factors:

Declining Vaccination Rates
Increased Natural Disasters Linked to Climate Change

These disasters create more opportunities for people to get injured and exposed to the bacteria that cause tetanus.

Rising Cases and Medical Concerns

Past Success: The U.S. saw a significant drop in tetanus cases due to vaccines.
Current Trend: Cases are rising again.
2024: 32 cases reported.
2025 (so far): At least 37 cases—the highest in over a decade.

Why Doctors Are Worried

Tetanus can be very serious, causing:

Muscle spasms that make breathing difficult.
Risus sardonicus—a forced smile caused by jaw clenching.

Bacteria and Treatment

Where It Lives: Tetanus bacteria thrive in soil and manure.
How It Spreads: Through puncture wounds.
Treatment: Long, painful, and expensive.
Example: A 6-year-old in Oregon had $1 million in medical bills after contracting tetanus in 2019.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Increased Risk: Hurricanes and floods raise the likelihood of tetanus exposure.
High-Risk States:
Florida
Texas
Kansas
Vaccination Rates: These states are also seeing drops in vaccination rates.

Urgent Call for Vaccination

Booster Recommendation: Every 10 years for adults.
Real-Life Impact:
Nikki Arellano (42, Reno, Nevada):
Last tetanus shot in 2010.
Developed tetanus after a minor cut.
Hospitalized for nearly a week, still recovering.

Long-Term Concerns

Doctors fear a "post-vaccination era" where preventable diseases like tetanus make a comeback. This is tragic because tetanus is easily preventable with a simple vaccine.