NEONATAL
TETANUS
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ØAn acute disease induced by an exotoxin of the tetanus bacillus
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A serious health problem where maternity care services are limited and immunization against tetanus is inadequate
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Infectious Agent: Clostridium tetani
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Reservoir/Host: Intestines of horses, other animals
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Mode of Transmission: Introduction of tetanus spores into the umbilical cord during and after delivery
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Incubation period: 3-28 days (average 6 days)
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Control and Prevention:
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lPrenatal check-up
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Vaccination with tetanus toxoid (TT)
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Training of birth attendants on safe delivery and proper cord dressing
NON-NEONATAL
TETANUS
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An acute disease induced by an exotoxin of the tetanus which grows anaerobically at the site of an injury
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ØInfectious Agent: Clostridium tetani
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Reservoir/Host: Intestines of horses, other animals
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Mode of Transmission:
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lThrough a punctured wound contaminated with soil, street dust or animal or human feces, through lacerations, burns or even unnoticed wounds
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It can also follow after surgical operations including circumcision
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ØIncubation period: 3-21 days (average 10 days)