Cluster survey on neonatal tetanus mortality in Nigeria: observation on some clinical aspects

A total of 2623 live births were recorded over a 12-month period during a cluster survey on neonatal tetanus (NNT) mortality in Kano Metropolis, Northern Nigeria. The survey involved a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Some aspects of the clinical features of NNT were evaluated. There were 79 neonatal deaths and 54 NNT deaths with NNT mortality rate of 20.6/1000 live births. The mean incubation period for NNT was 7.3 days, while the mean age at death was 12.7 days. The peak age at death was 8 days. Interval between mean age at onset and mean age at death was 5.4 days. Mean delay in presentation at health facilities for treatment was 4.8 days. The possible significance of these features in prognosis is highlighted.