'Once Bitten': A Case of Tetanus Following Snakebite in Australia.
Adrian A S Doherty, Naomi N E Clarke, Sarah Fletcher et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 58-year-old woman in Victoria, Australia, presented after a suspected Tiger snake bite. She was not current with her tetanus vaccination and did not receive a booster. Twelve days later, she exhibited symptoms of tetanus and was treated with tetanus immunoglobulin and metronidazole, leading to clinical improvement.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should assess tetanus vaccination status in patients presenting with snakebites, as envenomation can pose a risk for tetanus infection.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of updating tetanus vaccinations in patients at risk, particularly in regions where snakebites are common.