While Uganda grapples with the rising burden of road crashes, another silent but deadly threat lurks in the aftermath of these accidents – tetanus, a bacterial infection that preys on crash victims and often claims lives days or weeks after the injuries occur.
According to Dr. Hannington Muwaga, the Executive Director of Vision for Trauma Care in Africa, tetanus is caused by bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly found in soil, dust, metal, sharp objects and contaminated surfaces. When crash victims sustain deep cuts or puncture wounds, the bacteria can enter the body and cause severe complications. The incubation period is usually between 3 to 21 days, after which symptoms begin to appear with patients presenting painful muscle spasms, stiffness of the jaws (lockjaw), difficulty swallowing, high blood pressure, and a rapid pulse.
In Uganda’s transport sector, crash survivors face high exposure to tetanus because of injuries from shattered metal, broken vehicle parts, and debris. Dr. Muwaga said that many victims who survive the initial crash often return to health centers weeks later with life-threatening tetanus infections. “Some die because they were not vaccinated or their wounds became contaminated after the crash”
Tetanus remains a critical but overlooked danger in post-crash care. Unlike some conditions, it cannot be cured once the toxin spreads in the body – but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. “The population must keep up-to-date with tetanus shots of DTaP or Td boosters,” Dr. Muwaga emphasizes. “Those who have not received their booster vaccination in the last six months should seek vaccination immediately. It can save lives.”
The Need for Public Awareness and Prevention Measures
Dr. Muwaga stressed the importance of raising public awareness and prioritizing vaccination as part of Uganda’s emergency response system. “Our government must prioritize awareness and vaccination, and everyone needs to take this seriously.” He further appealed to road users, especially drivers and cyclists, to prevent crashes in the first place; avoid speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and, more generally, behaviors that increase exposure.
A Call to Action
Road safety is more than preventing crashes; it is about saving lives long after a collision. Uganda must urgently integrate tetanus vaccination into post-crash care, strengthen emergency response, and raise awareness nationwide. Every driver, passenger, and community member has a role to play in stopping tetanus from silently killing crash survivors.