Tetanus in newborns
Also known as: Tetanus neonatorum
General information only. Anpheros does not diagnose and does not recommend treatment. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your situation. In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).
In short
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by Clostridium bacteria, which live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a deep cut or a burn, causing painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body, which can lead to locking of the jaw. Tetanus is a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment, but it can be prevented with a vaccine, routine childhood vaccinations, booster shots every 10 years for adults, and immediate, proper wound care.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.
Codes
Description
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by Clostridium bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a deep cut, like those you might get from stepping on a nail, or through a burn.
The infection causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw. This makes it impossible to open your mouth or swallow. Tetanus is a medical emergency. You need to get treatment in a hospital.
A vaccine can prevent tetanus. It is given as a part of routine childhood vaccination. Adults should get a tetanus shot, or booster, every 10 years. If you get a bad cut or burn, see your doctor - you may need a booster. Immediate and proper wound care can prevent tetanus infection.
Next to it in ICD-10
- A30Leprosy, unspecified
- A31Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
- A32Listeria Infections
- A35Tetanus
- A36Diphtheria
- A37Whooping Cough
Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.
External resources
Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for Tetanus in newborns?
A33 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).
What is the ICD-11 code for Tetanus in newborns?
1C15: Tetanus neonatorum (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).
Sources and attribution
- ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, © World Health Organization, licensed under CC BY-ND 3.0 IGO.
- Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
- Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).
Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →
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