22 tetanus deaths reported in Pakistan quake zone

At least 22 victims of the earthquake in Pakistan have died of tetanus, the World Health Organisation said today, as UN officials warned that more quake survivors could perish unless they get food and shelter before winter sets in.

Sacha Bootsma, WHO communications officer, said there had been 111 tetanus cases since the quake struck on October 8, but just seven reported in the past two days, indicating the situation had stabilised.

She said all patients arriving in hospitals were being treated with anti-tetanus serum as a precaution. Tetanus, more commonly known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection of the nervous system.

People become infected when the bacteria, found in the ground and in faeces, enter through cuts or scratches.