Hospitalized after being kicked by a chicken.

SKĐS - From a small scratch on the finger caused by a chicken stepping on it, the patient had to be hospitalized with generalized tetanus, muscle stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth, and a life-threatening condition. Doctors warn that many tetanus cases originate from very minor injuries that are often overlooked, and vaccinations are not given.

Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital recently admitted a patient suffering from a dangerous case of tetanus, which originated from a seemingly minor wound: a chicken stepping on the finger.

Approximately 15 days before being admitted to the hospital, the patient was stepped on the finger by a chicken, resulting in a foreign object (chicken spur) in the wound. Due to negligence, thinking the wound was minor, the patient did not seek medical attention or get a tetanus vaccination.

After 10 days, the patient developed symptoms of jaw stiffness, a typical sign of tetanus, but still did not go to the hospital for examination. On the 15th day after the injury, the symptoms worsened, and the family brought the patient to Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital in a condition of: difficulty speaking, mouth opening less than 1 cm, inability to eat, difficulty communicating, generalized muscle spasms, increased muscle tone, etc.

Some wounds are very small but can cause dangerous tetanus infection in patients. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

The patient underwent examination, specialized tests and examinations, and was diagnosed with generalized tetanus. The patient received intensive treatment including sedatives, muscle relaxants, tetanus antitoxin (SAT) serum to neutralize the toxin, antibiotics, supportive medication, and feeding via gastric tube.

After 13 days of treatment, the patient's mouth opening was more than 4 cm, muscle tone had significantly decreased, hemodynamics were stable, and the patient continued to be monitored and cared for at the hospital. Currently, the patient has recovered well, vital signs are stable, and the patient has been discharged.

According to MSc. Dr. Phung Thi Huong, Department of Tropical Diseases, Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital: tetanus is a very dangerous acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani entering through open wounds, especially dirty wounds or those containing foreign objects. The bacteria's toxins directly affect the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

In 2025, Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital received many tetanus cases with various types of injuries such as cuts from sharp objects, abrasions from falls, and minor work-related wounds. Most cases involved self-treatment at home, without seeking medical attention or tetanus vaccination, leading to severe infections and requiring hospitalization in critical condition.

"Tetanus is completely preventable if wounds are treated correctly and patients are fully vaccinated. Therefore, people should not be complacent about any wound, no matter how small. They should go to a medical facility immediately to have the wound cleaned, the risk assessed, and receive tetanus vaccination if necessary," advised Dr. Phung Thi Huong.

People should also pay special attention: after an injury, if symptoms such as jaw stiffness, difficulty chewing and swallowing, muscle spasms in the neck and back, general body stiffness, or other unusual symptoms appear, they should go to the hospital immediately. Early examination and treatment will help limit complications and improve the chances of recovery.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nhap-vien-vi-bi-ga-dap-169251231142842104.htm