EXTRAORDINARY DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2536, 7 May 1881, Page 2

EXTRAORDINARY DEATH FROM LOCKJAW.

An 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 ran a nail into the outer fleshy part of his foot. As he met with the injury by jumping down from a height on to the floor, 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 LiuisclC ilruvo Jiume some distance in a 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 fora doctor. On Tuesday (yesterday) 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 even small wounds. It is probable that tetanus is a more frequent occurrence in this country than in England, for liability to it increases in direct ratio with the heat of the climate. —“ Auckland Star ” April 27.