Will a Newborn Have Convulsions if They Have Tetanus?

Question

My baby’s nails grow very fast, and a few days ago, I couldn’t help but cut them, but I didn’t notice and ended up cutting them. There’s a millet-sized purple blood blister. I heard that it’s necessary to get a tetanus shot. Will a newborn have convulsions if they get tetanus?

Answer

Tetanus is an acute infection caused by the production of toxins from Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the wound. Neonatal tetanus is caused by infection with tetanus bacteria due to the use of unsterilized scissors to cut the umbilical cord. The earlier the onset, the more severe the condition, and the higher the mortality rate. It is very difficult to treat once it occurs, so it is important to take it seriously, and if you are not sure, you should consider getting vaccinated. Early symptoms include crying, difficulty opening the mouth, and difficulty suckling. If you press the tongue blade down, the harder you press, the more difficult it becomes to open the mouth, and the tongue blade is bitten more tightly, which is called a positive tongue blade test and is helpful for early diagnosis.