The Mississippi State Department of Health announced that free tetanus vaccinations are available at health departments in counties affected by recent flooding.
According to a MSDH release, a tetanus vaccination is recommended if it has been ten years or more since the last one.
According to the Centers for Disease Control’s website, tetanus or, lockjaw, is a disease that causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can also lead to locking of the jaw, where the victim is unable to open their mouth or swallow.
Tetanus causes death in about one to ten cases, the CDC website states.
“Residents and first responders involved in storm cleanup are at greater risk of injury and possible tetanus infection,” the release states.
Individuals who receive a puncture wound or wound contaminated by floodwater should consult a healthcare provider, the release states.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccinations are available at the county health departments and are free in the following counties affected by flooding: Pearl River, Bolivar, Claiborne, Clarke, Coahoma, Covington, Forrest, Greene, Hancock, Hinds, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Leake, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Panola, Perry, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Smith, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Washington and Wayne.
The Pearl River County Health Department is located at 7547 Hwy. 11 N., Carriere. Contact staff by phone at 601-798-6212.