The Ministry of Health would like to update the public on the current Neonatal Tetanus outbreak situation in Vanuatu. On 4th May 2022, a clinical confirm case of Neo Natal Tetanus in an 10 days old newborn was notified by the paediatric ward of Northern provincial hospital in Santo to the provincial surveillance officer. On 11 May, the case was reported deceased. No suspected or confirmed cases have been reported in other provinces or islands.
NEONATAL TETANUS (NT) TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS
Tetanus is caused by toxigenic strains of Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive bacterium. C. tetani spores are ubiquitous in the environment and are found in soil and dirt.
NT most often occurs through cutting of the umbilical cord using non-sterile techniques or applying non-sterile traditional remedies to the umbilical cord stump, but infection of the umbilical stump is not always evident. Deliveries carried out by persons with unclean hands or on a contaminated surface are also risk factors for maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT).
Tetanus is not transmissible from person to person.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE
As tetanus is not contagious from one person to another, no contact tracing is needed and there is no risk of an outbreak of tetanus.
The Ministry of Health would like to emphasise the importance of vaccination for pregnant women and children of below 1 year with Tetanus Toxoid Containing Vaccine (TTCV). All pregnant women who are close to their due date must seek medical care at their nearest health facilities.
Community awareness will be conducted on the importance of vaccination for pregnant women, women of child-bearing age, attendance of antenatal care visits, safe and clean delivery in health facilities and the importance of childhood immunization.
All pregnant women of childbearing age and children below 1-year-old are asked to have their routine vaccinations.
Updates will be provided as the situation evolves.