Neonatal tetanus in a Northern Territory Aboriginal child

Neonatal tetanus is uncommon in Australia, where most births take place in hospital. It is common in areas of poor hygiene and a scarcity of trained attendants. The present case is reported as the first known to have occurred in the Northern Territory, where there is a high level of maternal immunity due to the excellent immunization programme carried out by the Northern Territory Medical Service. The baby was treated by curarization and artificial ventilation, and made a good recovery.