Tetanus is a life-threatening disease caused by bacterial infection. It causes painful muscle contractions especially in the neck and jaw muscles and can also affect the respiratory muscles causing difficulty in breathing which can be fatal.

The spores of bacteria, Clostridium tetani, release a toxin which are found in soil, dust and animal faeces, so when a person with an injury, cut, wound or bruise comes in contact with these spores the bacteria multiply releasing tetanospasmin toxin in the person's body leading to tetanus.

There is no cure for tetanus, so if a person is injured and gets in contact with the spores with no prior tetanus shot, then the symptoms and complications are treated till the toxin resolves.

Yes, in severe cases of tetanus where the amount of tetanospasmin is more in blood it can affect the respiratory muscles causing spasms with respiratory failure leading to death.

Tetanus can be easily prevented with the help of tetanus vaccine. In children it is a part of immunization schedule till the age of 5, post which every 10 years one should get a booster dose. One should especially take the vaccine if they are more prone to physical injuries and are in contact with soil.