Tetanus – also known as lockjaw, is an infection of the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil, saliva, dust and manure. The bacteria generally enters the body through a cut or puncture wound by a contaminated object, and presents symptoms of muscle spasm, fever and headaches. The spasms usually last a few minutes each time and occur frequently over a period of three to four weeks. Severe spasms can cause bone fractures, high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. About 10% of infected people die, but the disease can be prevented by proper immunisation with the tetanus vaccine.