EXTRAORDINARY DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

Kumara Times, Issue 1444, 14 May 1881, Page 2

EXTRAORDINARY DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

The Auckland Star says :—“ A most extraordinary case of death from tetanus, or lockjaw, has come under our notice. It appears that deceased, a strong, healthy young man of eighteen, about a fortnight ago van a nail into the outer deshy part of his foot. As he met with the injury by jumping down from a height on to the door, it would seem that the wound was more than a slight one. However, no serious consequences were apprehended. The deceased went about his usual business, and medical aid was not thought of. How little anxiety was felt may be judged from the fact that deceased last Saturday shut up shop as usual, and himself drove home some distance in the cart. On Sunday he experienced a stiffness in the back and in the muscles of the neck. He had, too, some difficulty in opening his jaws, but was able to take food, “ Painkiller ” was the only remedy applied, and still it was not deemed necessary to send for a doctor. On Tuesday he was left at home under the care of a sister, who, in the course of the day, observed a change come over him, and suggested the advisability of sending for a medical man. The deceased, however, said he felt better ; but he died within an hour, apparently without pain. One thing suggested by this very sad death is the necessity of attention to very small wounds. It is probable that tetanus is of more fre-

quent occurrence in this country than in England, for liability to it increases in direct ratio with the heat of the climate.” An exactly similar case occurred in Dunedin a few years ago.