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Tetanus

Tetanus

Tetanus (sometimes called lock-jaw) is a disease caused by the bacteria Cilostridium tetani. Toxin made by the bacteria attacks a person's nervous system. Although the disease is fairly uncommon now, it is a severe disease that can result in serious illness and death. Tetanus vaccination protects against the disease.

Notification

Tetanus is a notifiable disease in NSW and must be reported by hospitals and schools by mail or phone to the local Public Health Unit (PHU) as soon as possible after diagnosis.
 
Select your local PHU  to obtain the correct notification form and notify your local PHU.

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This web page is managed and authorised by Communicable Diseases of Centre for Health Protection of the NSW Department of Health. Last updated: 31 March, 2009

  • Download Notification Form

  • PHU office:
    Select form: