Tetanus kills 18 quake survivors in Indonesia-WHO

GENEVA, June 16: Tetanus has killed at least 18 earthquake survivors in Indonesia among more than 50 known cases of the infection spread through bacteria, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said today.

Indonesian health workers and the United Nations agency have been conducting vaccination campaigns against tetanus and measles after the May 27 quake around Yogyakarta that killed more than 5,700 people and left tens of thousands homeless.

''The WHO has identified 53 cases of tetanus with 18 confirmed deaths as of June 14,'' the United Nations said in a statement.

Sanitation has emerged as a major concern for Indonesia's earthquake survivors, many of whom are poor labourers now living under plastic sheets and tarpaulins and in donated tents.

Tetanus, the only vaccine-preventable disease that is not communicable but acquired through exposure to bacteria, usually occurs after an acute injury when dirt enters a wound or cut, causing infection.

Also known as lockjaw, tetanus affects the body's muscles and nerves, with the first symptoms usually a headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw.

If untreated, it can lead to seizure-like activity and complications such as a form of pneumonia.

REUTERS