Health authorities issue warning as first person dies of tetanus in NSW in 30 years

Three people have contracted the rare but preventable disease this year, with doctors sharing important tips on how to avoid the serious illness.

An urgent health warning has been issued after an elderly woman died after contracting tetanus.

The woman in her 80s is the first person in NSW to die from tetanus in thirty years.

Two other cases have been reported in the state this year, including a Sydney woman in her 80s and a northern NSW woman in her 70s.

Tetanus – sometimes called lockjaw – is a disease caused by a bacteria found in soil.

The bacteria can enter wounds and produce a toxin that attacks a person‘s nervous system.

NSW Health is urging people to make sure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

“Tetanus is a rare, but potentially fatal disease. Vaccination is the best protection against tetanus,” NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Christine Selvey said.

Two of the women had no record of tetanus vaccination while the third woman was vaccinated more than 30 years ago.

Shockingly, all three cases involved a minor wound in the woman’s lower leg becoming contaminated by garden soil.

“This serves as a reminder for all older Australians to check their tetanus vaccination status,” Dr Selvey said.

“If there is any doubt, speak to your general practitioner about whether you should have a tetanus vaccine.”

All three cases involved a minor wound becoming contaminated with garden soil. Picture: iStock

In Australia, tetanus mostly occurs in older people, usually women, who are inadequately immunised.

The disease cannot spread person to person.

Adults who have had a primary course of tetanus vaccine should receive booster doses at 50 and 65 years if it has been more than 10 years since the last dose.

Those who have never received a primary course should receive three doses of tetanus-containing vaccine, followed by booster doses after 10 and 20 years.

A three-dose primary course of tetanus vaccinations is offered in infancy under the National Immunisation Program.

Originally published as Health authorities issue warning as first person dies of tetanus in NSW in 30 years