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TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA AND TUBERCULOSIS

TETANUS

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a painful and serious disease. It is caused by bacteria, which enter the body through a wound.

Even a tiny scratch can lead to tetanus, though it is more common in burns, and deep or infected wounds. The bacteria grow in dead tissue and release a muscle poison, causing all muscles in the body to go into spasms. Tetanus can be fatal. At the very least it requires treatment in intensive care.

The disease can be prevented by vaccination. The initial course of vaccinations is three injections in childhood. Tetanus is one part of the ‘Triple Antigen’ vaccine; (the other two are diphtheria and whooping cough). After the initial series of vaccines, one booster injection is needed every five to ten years. If a wound is very likely to be contaminated by tetanus bacteria, a booster may be given early as a precaution. Spores of tetanus bacteria can be found all over the world so everyone should make sure that routine and childhood vaccines such as tetanus are kept up to date.

DIPHTHERIA

Diphtheria vaccine is usually added to the tetanus vaccine. This disease is found worldwide and the organism can be carried by healthy individuals and transmitted to susceptible individuals. Many adults no longer have immunity from childhood vaccination and may be at risk when visiting affected countries.

TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is still a major public health problem for developing countries and is the world’s third biggest killer, responsible for some 3 million deaths per year. TB is commonly spread by coughing or by drinking unpasteurised dairy products from infected cows. Milk that has been boiled is safe to drink; the souring of milk to make yoghurt or cheese also kills the bacteria.

The risk of TB for most travellers is very low. Young children are more susceptible than adults and should be offered vaccine before long-term visits to developing countries.

Vaccination is a consideration for long-term travellers and for those who will be living or working closely alongside indigenous population. BCG vaccination should be considered for those planning to stay for longer than 3months in Asia, Africa, Central or South America.

A preliminary skin test is required and then the vaccination should preferably be given at least two months before departure. Re-vaccination is not necessary for those already vaccinated against tuberculosis.

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