Neonatal tetanus

Overview

Neonatal tetanus is a severe, often fatal disease caused by a toxin of Clostridium tetani. It's associated with nonsterile delivery and cord-care practices.

Symptoms

Newborns with neonatal tetanus stop feeding. Their bodies become stiff, and severe muscle contractions and spasms occur. Death follows in most cases.

Treatments

Neonatal tetanus can be prevented by immunizing women of childbearing age with tetanus vaccine.