Doctor sounds warning over tetanus

A doctor is advising the elderly, gardeners, and those who work with soil and animals to ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

This comes after an elderly gardener from Lakeside developed tetanus in April after working with compost without wearing gloves.

The seriousness of the situation is evident as the patient is still in a step-down facility months later, according to Dr Pete Vincent from Medicross Tokai.

“Five days after working with compost, the gardener experienced chest pains and was admitted to the hospital. Two days later, the patient was placed on a ventilator for two weeks and spent at least six weeks in the ICU. A diagnosis of tetanus was made by exclusion, as there is no specific blood test to confirm it,” he said.

While tetanus, also called “lockjaw,” is a preventable disease, it can be fatal, and this case shows how important it is to stay cautious, Dr Vincent explained.

“Tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil and faeces.”

He added, “These bacteria stay inactive until they find a place to grow, like a wound, even from a small cut or burn. They can also be found in compost, manure, and dust, and in the blood and fluids of infected animals.”

During a radio interview discussing tetanus and the importance of vaccination, Dr Vincent received a call from a listener who mentioned that Lakeside might have one of the highest tetanus spore counts in the country.

The caller suggested that could be linked to Boer War horses being kept in the area.

Dr Vincent has been researching historical connections like this but said that despite extensive searching, he had found no specific reference confirming this.

Nevertheless, he feels it’s his duty to ensure that gardeners and the elderly are protected against this preventable disease.

Dr Beverley Roos-Muller, a historian who did research on the Boer War for her book, Bullet in the Heart, told the Echo that war horses might well have been kept in Lakeside due to its proximity to Simon’s Town, but there was no direct record of this.

“Other local residents, including the famous Labia family, did keep horses near Zandvlei, and there was also a camp, including horses, on what is now Rondebosch Common,” she said.

Dr Roos-Muller said the largest British remount station had been in Stellenbosch, where no tetanus-related concerns had been raised.

More than half a million horses had been used in the Boer War, most of them imported by the British and often unsuitable for the harsh South African terrain, she said.

“The British veterinary-general criticised the care given to these animals, as documented in my book. In contrast, Boer riders took exceptional care of their horses, with some surviving throughout the entire war,” she said.

Dr Vincent noted that childhood tetanus protection might diminish by the age of 24, and it was best to check that vaccinations were current, and gardeners should wear gloves while working.

“Tetanus vaccinations are widely available, and it’s crucial to check if you are covered by this important vaccine,” he said.

According to him, tetanus has an incubation period of seven to 10 days and releases a toxin that affects nerve function related to muscles. It often starts with mild spasms in the jaw and face, which can lead to a locked jaw.

“Severe muscle spasms can cause breathing difficulties, and, in extreme cases, they may be violent enough to result in broken bones. Complications can include pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or damage to the nerves that control breathing and heart function, which can be fatal,” he said.

Vaccinations are available as a single vaccine called Tetavax or a combination vaccine called Adacel Quadra, which protects against tetanus, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

“Don’t take chances. Tetanus is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly, even in healthy individuals. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor,” Dr Vincent said.