MATERNAL AND NEONATAL TETANUS

              MATERNAL AND NEONATAL TETANUS

Neonatal tetanus is a form of generalized tetanus that occurs in newborns. Infants who have not acquired passive immunity because the mother has never been immunized are at risk. It usually occurs through infection of the unhealed umbilical cord, particularly when the cord is cut with a non-sterile instrument. In many countries, deliveries take place in unhygienic circumstances, putting mothers and their new-born babies at risk for a variety of life-threatening infections. Neonatal tetanus mostly occurs in developing countries, particularly those with the least developed health infrastructure. It is rare in developed countries. When tetanus develops, mortality rates are extremely high, especially when appropriate medical care is not available.

Symptoms:

A new-born infected with tetanus may appear perfectly healthy. The first sign usually comes two to three days later, when the baby’s jaw and facial muscles may tighten due to the tetanus poison. The baby’s mouth will continue to grow more rigid so that it becomes “locked” (thus the name “lockjaw” given to tetanus) and the new-born will no longer be able to breastfeed. The new-born’s body may stiffen or arch and he or she may convulse when stimulated by light, sound or being touched. Finally, the new-born may no longer be able to breathe and may die. Between 70 and 100 per cent of deaths occur between three days and 28 days after birth.

PREVENTION OF MATERNAL AND NEONATAL TETANUS

The Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT), Elimination Initiative aims to reduce MNT cases to such low levels that the disease is no longer a major public health problem. Unlike polio and smallpox, tetanus cannot be eradicated (tetanus spores are present in the environment worldwide), but through immunization of pregnant women and other women of reproductive age (WRA) and promotion of more hygienic deliveries and cord care practices, MNT can be eliminated (defined as less than one case of neonatal tetanus per 1000 live births in every district).