14 September 2012
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 14) investigating a case of tetanus involving a 43-year-old woman.
The patient, with good past health, was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on September 6 for neck stiffness and general muscle spasm. The clinical diagnosis was tetanus. She was febrile and developed respiratory distress on September 8. She was transferred to Intensive Care Unit on the same day and is currently in a critical condition.
The patient has no recent travel history. Investigation is in progress.
This is the third case of tetanus reported to the CHP this year. One case was filed in 2011, no case in 2010 and one case in 2009.
A CHP spokesman said, “Tetanus is usually characterized by painful muscular contractions at the jaws and the neck; the trunk is sometimes also affected and generalized spasms of muscles may occur. In severe cases, infected persons may not be able to swallow or open his/her mouth. When tetanus affects muscles that help to breathe, the patient can die very quickly.”
A person who has sustained a wound should have the wound cleaned with antiseptics and covered properly. For unclean wounds, thorough treatment by trained medical people is essential. A complete series of tetanus toxoid will give effective protection for at least 10 years.
More information on tetanus and advice on prevention can be found on the CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk .