In the 5th century, Greek physician Hippocrates, creator of the Hippocratic Oath, was sailing with a very ill ship master.
The captain was suffering a nasty infection that caused his jaws to press together, his teeth to lock up, and the muscles in his neck and spine to spasm.
Hippocrates dutifully recorded these symptoms, but he was unable to treat the mysterious disease.
And six days later, the shipmaster succumbed to his illness.
Today, we know this account to be one of the first recorded cases of tetanus, and thankfully, modern physicians are much more prepared to handle this peculiar infection.
Unlike other common bacterial infections like tuberculosis and strep throat, tetanus doesn't pass from person to person.
Instead, the offending bacterium, known as Clostridium tetani, infects the body through cuts and abrasions.
These infection sites are why tetanus is so strongly associated with rusty nails and scrap metal, which can cause such wounds, but the condition's connection to rust is actually much less direct.
Clostridium tetani bacteria are often found in soil, manure, and dead leaves, where they can survive for years in the form of spores, even amidst extreme heat and dryness.
These piles of organic material can sit undisturbed for long periods, potentially concealing old metal, which rusts over time.
