Question
What is the incidence of neonatal tetanus?
Answer
Neonatal tetanus is a severe infectious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria invading the umbilical cord when proper disinfection is not performed after the cord stump has fallen off. This condition typically occurs around the 6th to 7th day after birth. Therefore, it is referred to as “Four-Six Wind” and “Seven-Day Wind.” Clinical manifestations include generalized stiff muscle spasms, a fixed grimace, and locked jaw. In the past, many newborns died from tetanus due to outdated delivery methods. After liberation, China vigorously promoted scientific delivery methods, significantly reducing the incidence of tetanus. However, due to a lack of knowledge dissemination, the incidence remains relatively high in remote areas. According to a survey report by the World Health Organization, the incidence of neonatal tetanus was approximately 5-60 cases per 1,000 live births in 1984.