Question
What is Neonatal Tetanus?
Answer
Neonatal tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria entering the umbilical cord of newborns, leading to lockjaw and generalized muscle stiffness and spasms. It usually occurs when unsterilized scissors are used to cut the umbilical cord during delivery, or when the hands of midwives are not clean, or if the umbilical cord area is not properly cleaned after birth. The main symptoms appear between 4 to 7 days after birth, hence it is also known as “the fourth and sixth wind” or “the seventh day wind.” Thank you for your patience. Do you have any other questions about neonatal tetanus?