Patient's question:
My cousin's child was found to have tetanus after birth. They are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Over the past few days, I've read some articles about neonatal tetanus. Could you please explain what active surveillance for neonatal tetanus is?Doctor's answer:
Active surveillance of neonatal tetanus refers to the enhanced active search for cases of neonatal tetanus by monitoring units. A "zero-case" reporting system should be implemented. Given the characteristics of neonatal tetanus onset and medical consultation, special attention should be paid to leveraging the role of health workers at the township and village levels to actively search for neonatal tetanus cases. Strengthen the reporting of neonatal tetanus cases and neonatal deaths of unknown causes. Health and epidemic prevention stations at all levels should visit maternal and child hospitals, infectious disease hospitals, and general hospitals within their jurisdiction each month to check the reporting status of suspected neonatal tetanus cases. Search for neonatal tetanus cases while also strengthening the understanding and data collection of neonatal tetanus incidence within communities. When hospitals or communities investigate AFP cases, attention should be paid to collecting data on neonatal tetanus cases.