In my research on the history of tetanus, I found out that it's been a known medical issue since ancient times. References to it can be found in Egyptian medical papyri and Greek medical literature. It wasn't until the late 19th century, however, that scientists began to understand the bacteria causing the disease. The 20th century brought about significant advancements, with the development of a vaccine in the 1920s. Today, despite its rarity in developed nations, tetanus remains a global health issue.