Tetanus is usually spread by contact with which?

• A. Contaminated water
• B. Contaminated soil
• C. Contaminated food
• D. Contaminated air

Answer: (B)

Tetanus comes from spores of Clostridium tetani that are common in soil, dust, and animal feces. These spores can get into the body through a wound or broken skin, especially if the wound is dirty or deep, and in the anaerobic environment of a wound they produce toxin that causes the characteristic muscle stiffness and spasms. It isn’t spread from person to person and isn’t transmitted by water, food, or air. Because soil is the usual reservoir of these spores, contact with contaminated soil through a wound is the most typical source of tetanus exposure. Wound cleaning and vaccination are key preventive measures.