Question

A baby arrives at an emergency room suffering from violent muscle spasms and difficulty breathing. The baby's body is so rigid a proper exam is difficult, but the staff note the baby is only a few weeks old and the umbilicus has not healed properly. the signs are consistent with which of the following diseases?A) acute bacterial meningitisB) rabiesC) tetanusD) listeriosisE) infant botulism

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is: C) tetanus

Explanation:

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, commonly found in the manure, soil, dust and saliva. This disease is characterized by muscle spasms, which begin at the jaw and travels to rest of the body and can also cause muscle fractures.

Other symptoms of this infection include headache, fever, abnormally high heart rate, difficulty in breathing, sweating, trouble swallowing and high blood pressure.

Therefore, the baby is most likely suffering from tetanus.