Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease caused by an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. C. tetani usually enters the body through a wound.

Additional Info Group

General Information

Tetanus fact sheet, P-42108
Tetanus overview
Tetanus vaccination information
Tetanus vaccine information statement
Public immunization record access

Additional Resources

Tetanus journal articles
Tetanus photos

For Health Professionals

This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category II disease:

Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151 (Word, 166 KB) or by other means within 72-hours upon recognition of a case. DHS Communicable Disease Reporting

Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines Tetanus EpiNet (PDF, 34 KB)
Wisconsin case reporting worksheet: Tetanus (PDF, 164 KB)
ACIP recommendations

Last Revised: March 17, 2017