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In Pattani, an alarming case has emerged involving an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with tetanus after experiencing jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, and stiffness for four days. This case, unusual in modern medicine due to widespread vaccination, is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining vaccination schedules.

 

The boy arrived at Pattani Hospital, presenting with troubling symptoms and an incomplete vaccination history. His condition quickly drew attention online, with Sulkiflee Saei sharing the incident on Facebook, raising public health concerns in the region.

 

Upon medical examination, the boy showed typical signs of tetanus. Though his vital signs were stable and he was alert, a positive spatula test confirmed the diagnosis. Tetanus, caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, usually enters the body through contaminated wounds. If untreated, it leads to severe muscle stiffness, lockjaw, and potentially life-threatening complications.

 

Treatment for the boy included human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG) and antibiotics like penicillin, administered over a period of seven to ten days. To manage his symptoms, doctors used diazepam to control spasms and baclofen to reduce muscle rigidity.

 

Crucially, the boy’s last tetanus vaccination was at birth. According to the Thai immunisation protocol, vaccinations are scheduled at two, four, six, and 18 months, with boosters at ages four to six, and every decade thereafter. This gap highlights the importance of adhering to recommended schedules to prevent such serious illnesses.

 

The case has prompted health professionals to urge parents to ensure their children receive all necessary vaccinations on time. The message is clear: sticking to these schedules is vital for protecting children from preventable diseases which can result in severe disability or even death.

 

As news of the incident spreads, there is hope it will encourage more parents to check and update their children's vaccination records. Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations not only protects individuals but also strengthens community-wide immunity.

 

The Pattani case serves as a cautionary tale and underlines the critical role of vaccination in modern healthcare. With vaccines available at minimal cost, or often free, the return on investment in terms of public health cannot be overstated. Ensuring robust vaccination coverage could prevent tragedies like this from occurring in future.

 

This story should remind us how easily preventable diseases can resurface if vigilance lapses, encouraging community-wide action to protect the most vulnerable. In Thai Baht terms, the cost of preventive vaccination is dwarfed by the expense of hospital treatment and the societal impact of these preventable diseases.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-14

 

 

I often wondered if i need some booster as I do not have vaccinations.

Mrs got tetanus along with rabies shots after an animal bite.

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

I often wondered if i need some booster as I do not have vaccinations.

Mrs got tetanus along with rabies shots after an animal bite.

40 years now with no tetanus vaccine, why aren't I dead?

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

40 years now with no tetanus vaccine, why aren't I dead?

You have not been stepping on rusty nails, the same as myself.

 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

According to the Thai immunisation protocol, vaccinations are scheduled at two, four, six, and 18 months, with boosters at ages four to six, and every decade thereafter.

I have never heard of the boosters every ten years!  I certainly have never had them.  No idea what Jabs I was given as a kid.