Tetanus is a disease that can be prevented with a highly effective vaccine, but it causes 30,000 to 50,000 deaths each year. Since the 1980s, global mortality has fallen significantly thanks to widespread vaccination. However, the disease persists in adults, especially in people with weakened immunity, diabetes and those who inject drugs. The diagnosis of tetanus is clinical. Treatment includes cleaning the wound, administering antibiotics and antitoxin. Key questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of tetanus remain unanswered.