Tetanus
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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are commonly found in the environment within soil, dust and manure. If bacteria contaminate wounds, they produce the toxin which causes tetanus symptoms. The bacteria can contaminate wounds, where they produce a toxin which causes symptoms of painful muscular contractions and spasms. Unvaccinated people are at risk of developing tetanus if a wound or cut is contaminated by the bacteria.
Public health management guidelines
Notification
Pathology laboratories
Attending medical practitioners/medical superintendents (or delegates)
Notification resources
- List of all Pathological, clinical and provisional diagnosis notifiable conditions
- List of Public Health Unit contacts
- Notifiable conditions report form for Queensland doctors/clinicians (PHA S70) or person in charge of a Hospital (PHA S71) (PDF, 77kB) - if faxing notification, follow up by phone.
Enhanced surveillance for public health units
Case report form (PDF, 504kB) - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.
Resources for health professionals
Immunisation
- Australian immunisation handbook - provides clinical guidelines for health professionals on the safest and most effective use of vaccines in their practice.
- Immunisation – Queensland Health website for health professionals.
Epidemiological data and reports
Last updated: 5 June 2023
