Authority: IC 16-19-3-4; IC 16-41-2-1

Affected: IC 16-41-2; IC 16-41-9

Sec. 138. The specific control measures for tetanus (infectious agent: Clostridium tetani) are as follows:

1. (1) An investigation by a department field representative, in cooperation with the local health officer, shall:

   1. (A) be performed within seventy-two (72) hours; and

   2. (B) include:

      1. (i) a complete tetanus toxoid immunization history;
      2. (ii) the wound location and circumstance of injury or possible source of infection;
      3. (iii) treatment information; and
      4. (iv) the outcome of the case.
2. (2) For hospitalized patients, standard precautions are required.
3. (3) Concurrent disinfection is not applicable.
4. (4) Quarantine is not required.
5. (5) Immunization of contacts is not required. Protection of contacts is not applicable. Persons recovering from tetanus should begin or complete immunization with tetanus toxoid (Td) during convalescence.
6. (6) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists set the standard clinical and laboratory case definition.

(Indiana Department of Health; 410 IAC 1-2.5-138; filed Nov 25, 2015, 2:54 p.m.: 20151223-IR-410150039FRA; readopted filed Nov 12, 2021, 8:41 a.m.: 20211208-IR-410210385RFA; readopted filed Nov 14, 2025, 11:18 a.m.: 20251210-IR-410240588RFA)