Question
A newborn in the family experienced convulsions and a locked jaw on the 15th day after birth, diagnosed by a doctor as neonatal tetanus. Facing this serious condition, what should be done?
Answer
Neonatal tetanus can significantly impact a child’s intellectual development, typically occurring around 7 days after birth. Once diagnosed, immediate hospitalization should be arranged. The clinical features of the disease include a locked jaw and muscle spasms, which are caused by the tetanus bacterium entering the body through the umbilical cord, leading to an acute severe infection. The key to treatment is to effectively control spasms and use broad-spectrum antibiotics when complications arise, extending the duration of penicillin therapy.