Tetanus

Tetanus is a rare disease resulting from a neurotoxin that's produced during infection with Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani are a common environmental bacteria which form spores that are highly resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures. They're present in soil and manure and usually enter the body through a:

• wound
• burn
• puncture
• scratch

The bacteria can then grow without the need for oxygen at the infection site and produce tetanus toxin. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of infection and clusters of infection have been previously reported in PWID.