In 1998 in Uganda, 3,433 tetanus cases were recorded in newborn babies; of these, 2,403 died. After a major public health effort, Uganda in 2011 was certified as having eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus. Post-exposure prophylaxis
Tetanus toxoid can be given in case of suspected exposure to tetanus. In such cases, it can be given with or without tetanus immunoglobulin (also called tetanus antibodies or tetanus antitoxin). It can be given as intravenous therapy or by intramuscular injection.The guidelines for such events in the United States for non-pregnant people 11 years and older are as follows:

Treatment
Mild tetanus
Mild cases of tetanus can be treated with:
Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG), also called tetanus antibodies or tetanus antitoxin. It can be given as intravenous therapy or by intramuscular injection. Antibiotic therapy to reduce toxin production. Metronidazole intravenous (IV) is a preferred treatment. Benzodiazepines can be used to control muscle spasms. Options include diazepam and lorazepam, oral or IV. Severe tetanus
Severe cases will require admission to intensive care. In addition to the measures listed above for mild tetanus:
Human tetanus immunoglobulin injected intrathecally (which increases clinical improvement from 4% to 35%)
Tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation for 3 to 4 weeks.
Treatment can be complicated as symptoms may be concurrent with the initial injury that caused the infection. Cephalic tetanus is more likely than other forms of tetanus to be fatal, with the progression to generalized tetanus carrying a 15–30% case fatality rate. Cause
Tetanus is caused by the tetanus bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is an international health problem, as C. tetani endospores are ubiquitous. Endospores can be introduced into the body through a puncture wound (penetrating trauma). Due to C. tetani being an anaerobic bacterium, it and its endospores thrive in environments that lack oxygen, such as a puncture wound. With the changes in oxygen levels, the drumstick-shaped endospore can result in quick spread.The disease occurs almost exclusively in persons inadequately immunized. It is more common in hot, damp climates with soil rich in organic matter. Manure-treated soils may contain spores, as they are widely distributed in the intestines and feces of many animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens. In agricultural areas, a significant number of human adults may harbor the organism.The spores can also be found on skin surfaces and in contaminated heroin. Heroin users, particularly those who inject the drug subcutaneously, appear to be at high risk of contracting tetanus. Rarely, tetanus can be contracted through surgical procedures, intramuscular injections, compound fractures, and dental infections. Animal bites can transmit tetanus.Tetanus is often associated with rust, especially rusty nails.