Question
What are the symptoms of neonatal tetanus?
Answer
Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the human body through a wound, growing and reproducing in anaerobic conditions, and producing neurotoxins that lead to generalized muscle spasms. In the past, neonatal tetanus often occurred due to umbilical cord infection, with an incubation period of typically 7 days, hence also known as “seven-day wind.” The initial symptoms of tetanus are that the baby cannot suckle breast milk, becomes restless and cries due to hunger, followed by a tight jaw, furrowed brows, and twitching facial muscles, with the corners of the mouth stretching open. This process usually progresses rapidly within 24 hours after the baby becomes ill.