Tetanus shots are important for gardeners

Gardeners working with soil rich in organic matter, particularly manure, are susceptible to tetanus, a serious bacterial disease that affects the nervous system.

To be safe, gardeners should get a vaccination or booster shot if necessary before getting their hands dirty this spring.

Tetanus bacteria spores are carried in the feces of animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs and chickens. People who work with the soil may actually carry the spores on their skin.

Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes contaminated with bacterial spores. The access point is usually a puncture wound, although splinters, insect bites, burns or any break in the skin can give the bacteria a route into the body. How many times have you been scratched while pruning or cut by a rose thorn? Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.

Tetanus is often called lockjaw because the painful muscle spasms in the jaw can actually prevent victims from opening their mouths or swallowing. The disease progresses down the body, causing extreme muscle stiffness and spasms in other parts of the body. Other symptoms include elevated temperature, sweating, elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Spasms may occur frequently and last for several minutes. Spasms continue for three to four weeks, and complete recovery may take months.

Tetanus can develop in three to 21 days after contamination. The shorter the incubation period, the higher the chance of death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, death from tetanus occurs in 10 to 20 percent of reported cases and is more likely in people 60 and older.

Vaccines can prevent tetanus. The CDC recommends that adults receive a booster vaccine every 10 years. If you can't remember when your last tetanus shot was, you may want to get a booster shot. Since it can take up to two weeks for the tetanus antibodies to form, get your booster before the gardening season starts. Everyone needs protection from tetanus - children and adults. Tetanus vaccine is usually part of a child's vaccinations, so check with your doctor.

Rust does not cause tetanus, but rusty cans and nails are often found in areas harboring tetanus bacteria. When we cut ourselves on a rusty piece of metal or step on an old nail, the wound can be contaminated with the tetanus organism.

Even if you've had a tetanus shot, be sure to thoroughly and immediately wash all cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds with soap and water. Stay healthy in the garden.

For information, contact me, 775-887-2252 or skellyj@unce.unr.edu, your local University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office or at www.unce.unr.edu. "Ask a Master Gardener" at mastergardeners@unce.unr.edu

- JoAnne Skelly is the Carson City/Storey County Extension educator for University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.