Background

• A neuromuscular toxin-mediated illness caused by the anaerobic spore-forming soil bacterium Clostridium tetani. The disease is transmitted when spores enter open wounds (injections, cutting the umbilical cord) or breaks in the skin.
• While tetanus may occur in adults, infection primarily affects newborns. Neonatal tetanus has decreased dramatically in countries with improved maternal tetanus immunization rates. Maternal and neonatal tetanus is targeted for elimination in the WHO African Region, aiming to achieve neonatal tetanus incidence rates of less than 1 case per 1000 live births.
• Incubation period is 3 to 21 days, with an average of approximately 6 days.
• Risk factors: Unclean cord care practices during delivery for neonates. Lack of antibody protection in incompletely immunized mothers.