Doctors call on public to get tetanus jab

Doctors in Northern Ireland are calling on local people to renew or obtain a tetanus inoculation after the province’s first recorded death from the disease since 1993.

The 71-year-old man developed tetanus in May after falling in a farmyard and injured his elbow. The wound, contaminated by dirt, was later found to be infected with the bacterium that causes tetanus. He died 12 days after being diagnosed.

Tetanus, which is a disorder of the nervous system that results in painful muscle spasms, is sometimes called lockjaw because patients often have difficulty opening and closing their mouths.

A programme to immunise children against tetanus was introduced in Northern Ireland 40 years ago.

However, doctors are concerned that people born before that time may not have been inoculated against it and are asking people to check their inoculations are up to date.

Gardeners or anyone using muddy playing fields are regarded as particularly at risk. (MB)