Health warning following death of older woman from tetanus

An urgent health warning has been issued today after an older woman died on April 1st after contracting tetanus.

A woman in her 80s was the first person to pass away after a tetanus infection in thirty years in NSW.

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

Tetanus is a disease caused by bacteria found in soil that enters the skin through wounds and produces toxins that attack a person's nervous system.

NSW Health is urging people, especially older Australians, to ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations.

"Tetanus is a rare but potentially fatal disease," NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases Dr Christine Selvey said.

"Vaccination is the best protection against tetanus,"

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

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."

In Australia, tetanus mainly affects older people, usually women, who are inadequately immunised.

The disease cannot spread from 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 ten 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.