The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, urged the inhabitants of the areas affected by DANA and the people who are helping to alleviate the consequences of the storm, to get vaccinated against tetanus in case of suffering “any wound or bleeding in the reconstruction work.
Therefore, he indicated that they are vaccinating all those who go to health centers and hospitals with injuries and explained that the Consell has asked the government for ”the best experts” to assess the epidemiological risk that arises after the storm.
“We are worried about tetanus. We are already giving the first vaccines to our neighbors,” Mazón said in statements to Cadena Cope.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is an infection of the nervous system caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The infection, which can be fatal, is contracted when spores of the pathogen enter the body through a lesion or wound. The incubation period can vary from 3 to 21 days.
Inside the body, these spores become active bacteria that produce a toxin that blocks nerve signals from the spinal cord to the muscles, causing intense, painful muscle spasms. It is a very serious disease that can cause death.
Maria del Mar Tomasmicrobiologist and spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), warned this weekend that tetanus infection is one of the risks faced by those affected by the storm in Valencia and the people who participated in it during the activities of cleaning. Even if the spores of the bacteria that cause the disease do not circulate in water, the specialist pointed out, they can remain in soil, dust or other substances.
What are the symptoms?
According to data from the Ministry of Health, abdominal rigidity is common in older children and adults as the first sign indicative of tetanus, although sometimes contractions are limited to the lesion area (place on the body where the injury occurred or the bite). ) Subsequently lMuscle stiffness spreads throughout the body.
It is not transmitted from person to person. There is a vaccine against the bacteria which is included in the vaccination programme.
What is the incidence in Spain?
In Spain Vaccination coverage is over 90% and that is why there are few cases of this disease. Since 2010, according to data from the Ministry of Health, about 10 cases have been reported per year and mainly in adults.
What is the vaccination schedule?
According to current recommendations, the vaccine will be administered at 2, 4 and 11 months during the first year of life. It will be administered at 6 years of age to minors who have been vaccinated at 2, 4 and 11 months and those vaccinated at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months (4 doses in total) will be given a booster dose.
In adults it is recommended to review vaccination status and, if necessary, vaccinate up to complete 5 immunization doses.
Additionally, a booster dose is given around age 65 to people who received 5 doses during childhood and adolescence.
What other infection risks are covered after DANA?
The infections that may increase more frequently in situations such as those experienced by populations affected by DANA” are those associated with the ingestion of contaminated water or food, those caused by pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigellaetc., which can cause gastroenteritis symptoms of greater or lesser severity.” The severity of the infection is influenced not only by the amount of bacteria ingested, but also by the situation of the affected person, he clarifies. “If it is a person who has defenses low, he has it immunosuppression for any reason or if they are very elderly people or very young children, the symptoms can be more serious”, he underlined to the medium a few days ago. Maria Velascoinfectious disease specialist at SEIMC.
“There are several pathogens that can be transmitted by contaminated water and in cases of floods, where sanitation systems can be impaired or overflowed, the risk of this contamination increases. Therefore, it is very important to maintain and recover pathogens supply of clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, washing, as well as electricity and food supplies, as well as soap and other basic cleaning products,” he added, along the same lines. João Forjazpresident of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology (SEE).
“Spoiled food carries a risk of gastrointestinal disease, so you should throw away food that has been in contact with flood water, eat cooked or peeled food if it is eaten raw, as well as wash your hands before cooking and before eating . of food, as well as electricity or other energy sources to cook it, must have priority. do not use flood water and keep your water supply safe“he advises.
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Maria del Mar Tomas. Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent severe weather conditions in Valencia and the increasing concern about tetanus, can you start by explaining why the President of the Generalitat has urged people to get vaccinated?
Maria del Mar Tomas: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The recent DANA storm has left many people in vulnerable situations, often with wounds from debris or other hazards while cleaning up. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria, typically entering the body through open wounds. The urgency for vaccination stems from the fact that early intervention can prevent this potentially fatal disease. As people engage in reconstruction work or help clean affected areas, the risk of injuries increases, hence the recommendation to get vaccinated.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. So, could you explain the symptoms of tetanus? How can someone recognize if they might be at risk?
Maria del Mar Tomas: Certainly. The initial symptom of tetanus often manifests as abdominal rigidity, especially in older children and adults. This can later escalate to stiffness that spreads throughout the body, impacting muscle control significantly and leading to painful spasms. It’s essential to note that tetanus is not contagious; it cannot be transmitted from person to person, which emphasizes the importance of preventive measures like vaccination for those in potentially exposed situations.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that vaccination coverage in Spain is above 90%. How does this impact the incidence of tetanus cases in the country?
Maria del Mar Tomas: Yes, vaccination is crucial in controlling tetanus. Due to strong immunization programs, Spain experiences minimal cases of tetanus, averaging about 10 cases annually since 2010. Most affected individuals are typically adults who may not have maintained their vaccination schedules. The high vaccination rate plays a significant role in reducing the overall risk, but incidents can still occur, particularly when there are injuries related to environmental factors like those faced during recovery from the storm.
Time.news Editor: In terms of vaccination schedules, can you walk us through what people should know about receiving the tetanus vaccine?
Maria del Mar Tomas: Of course! The tetanus vaccine is given at various intervals during childhood—specifically at 2, 4, and 11 months, with additional boosts at 6 years and for those who received prior vaccinations. Adults should regularly check their immunization status, as the completion of five doses is recommended to ensure full protection. A booster is also advised around the age of 65 for those who received full childhood vaccinations. It’s crucial for individuals involved in cleanup efforts, especially those with injuries, to be aware of their vaccination status.
Time.news Editor: Given the conditions following DANA, aside from tetanus, what other health risks should people be aware of?
Maria del Mar Tomas: After events like DANA, individuals could be at an increased risk for infections caused by pathogens found in contaminated water and food, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. These can lead to gastroenteritis, which varies in severity. The risk is exacerbated by the overall health and immunity status of those affected, underlining the need for vigilance in food and water safety during recovery efforts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for that insight, Maria. As people begin to return to normalcy following the storm, what final piece of advice would you like to share with them?
Maria del Mar Tomas: My primary advice is to prioritize safety when engaging in cleanup and reconstruction efforts. Ensure that you and your family members are up-to-date with vaccinations, particularly for tetanus. Additionally, take care to avoid injuries and be cautious about consuming food and water from potentially contaminated sources. Being proactive in these areas can prevent both tetanus and other infectious diseases, allowing communities to recover more effectively. Thank you for allowing me to share this important information.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Maria del Mar Tomas, for your valuable insights today. The information you provided is crucial for our audience to understand the risks and how to protect themselves during this recovery period.
