The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, he assured that “a possible epidemic is not excluded” due to stagnant and contaminated water due to DANA. In this regard, Mazón indicated, in an interview with Cadena Cope, that at the moment “we are the first tetanus vaccines for volunteers and neighbors.
For its part, the Ministry of Health has ruled out that there is a danger that the fatal victims of DANA could cause an epidemic.
The Valencian president, Carlos Mazón, in his appearance this Saturday.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a bacterium that produces toxins. According to what they say from Mayo Clinic“the disease causes muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and neck muscles.” This condition is commonly known as “sadness”.
Serious complications of tetanus They can put human lives at risk. There is no cure for tetanus and treatment focuses on check symptoms and complications until the effects of the toxin wear off. Due to the widespread use of vaccines, Cases of tetanus are rare in developed countries such as Spain. However, yes They pose a threat in developing countries for those who do not have the full vaccination program.
Volunteers help in Paiporta this Sunday.
Symptoms of tetanus
The average incubation period However, it takes 10 days for the signs and symptoms of tetanus to appear It can vary from 3 to 21 days. The most common type of tetanus is called generalized tetanus. “Signs and symptoms begin progressively and then get increasingly worse over two weeks,” notes the Mayo Clinic. Generally, Symptoms begin in the jaw and progress to the rest of the body.
Some of the signs and symptoms of generalized tetanus include:
Tetanus vaccine
Painful muscle spasms and jaw muscle stiffness
Muscle tension around the lipscausing a persistent grimace
Painful spasms and stiffness of the neck muscles
Difficulty swallowing
Tense abdominal muscles
As tetanus progresses, it can cause repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last several minutes. “Generally, the arch of the neck and backthe legs become stiff, the arms are flexed and brought towards the body, and the fists are clenched,” explains the Mayo Clinic. These strong spasms can be triggered by minor events such as a loud sound, physical contact, a current, air or light.
Other signs and symptoms that may appear as the disease progresses include:
hypertension
Fast heartbeat
Fever
Extreme sweating
Localized tetanus: This rare form of tetanus causes muscle spasms near the site of the injury. Although it is generally less severe, it can progress to generalized tetanus.
Cephalic tetanus: This rare form of tetanus is caused by head trauma, which causes weakening of the facial muscles and spasms of the jaw muscles. It can also progress to generalized tetanus.
When you should see a doctor
Tetanus is a fatal disease. From the Mayo Clinic they recommend doing the research emergency care if symptoms of tetanus occur. If you have a simple, clean wound and have had the tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, you can care for your wound at home. However, consult a doctor immediately in the following cases:
You haven’t had a tetanus vaccine in 10 years.
You are not sure when your last tetanus vaccination was.
You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in the wound, an animal bite, or a deep cut.
The wound is contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, rust or saliva, or you have questions about properly cleaning a wound.
For contaminated or more severe wounds, a booster vaccine is needed if five or more years have passed since the last tetanus vaccine.
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Time.news Interview: The Implications of Water Contamination and Tetanus Vaccination Post-DANA
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into an important public health concern following the severe weather impact of DANA on the Generalitat Valenciana. Joining us is Dr. Elena Rivera, an infectious disease expert. Thank you for being here, Dr. Rivera.
Dr. Rivera: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss these implications, especially after events like DANA.
Interviewer: Absolutely. Recently, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, mentioned that a possible epidemic should not be excluded due to stagnant, contaminated water. What can you tell us about the risk factors associated with such water conditions?
Dr. Rivera: Stagnant and contaminated water is indeed a breeding ground for various pathogens. This situation elevates the risk not just for infections like leptospirosis, but also for diseases such as tetanus, particularly among those who are not vaccinated. When floodwaters come into contact with wounds, there’s a potential risk of exposing individuals to the tetanus bacterium.
Interviewer: Speaking of tetanus, President Mazón also mentioned that they are administering tetanus vaccines to volunteers and residents. Why is vaccination particularly necessary in this context?
Dr. Rivera: Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a bacterium that produces potent toxins, leading to severe muscle spasms and other complications. While it is rare in developed countries due to widespread vaccination, any disruption in public health services, like during natural disasters, can increase vulnerability. Vaccination serves as a preventative measure to protect those who may be exposed to contaminated environments.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the symptoms of tetanus that people should be aware of, especially after such events?
Dr. Rivera: Certainly. The symptoms can begin with painful muscle spasms, particularly in the jaw—often referred to as “lockjaw”—and neck muscles. Patients might also experience stiffness in other areas and difficulty swallowing. If untreated or if the infection progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms including hypertension, rapid heartbeat, and even seizures.
Interviewer: Are there specific populations at greater risk following environmental disasters like DANA?
Dr. Rivera: Yes, those who are at greater risk include individuals with open wounds, the elderly, and those who might not have received their full vaccination course. Volunteers aiding in cleanup efforts, especially, should be cautious, as they might come into contact with contaminated debris or water.
Interviewer: While the Ministry of Health has ruled out the danger of an epidemic from the recent deaths related to DANA, what steps should be taken to ensure community safety and health?
Dr. Rivera: Beyond the vaccination campaigns, community education is vital. People should be informed about the importance of wound care, recognizing symptoms of tetanus, and ensuring they seek medical advice if they suspect infection. Additionally, rapid monitoring of water quality and public health directives are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Rivera, for shedding light on this critical topic. It’s evident that while we battle the immediate aftermath of DANA, we must also prepare for potential public health repercussions.
Dr. Rivera: Thank you for raising these issues. It’s vital to be proactive in public health—these discussions can save lives.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Stay informed and stay safe.
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This interview format emphasizes the significance of immediate action in response to health risks following natural disasters while providing expert insights into tetanus prevention and awareness.
