Unvaccinated Child Survives Severe Tetanus Infection After 2-Month Battle

In a remarkable medical feat, an 11-year-old boy from Sonpeth, Parbhani district, has survived a life-threatening tetanus infection after undergoing two months of intensive care treatment at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH). The child, who had missed his routine vaccinations, developed severe spasms and breathing difficulties following a minor wound, putting his life in grave danger.

Initially admitted to a local hospital in Parbhani, the boy's condition continued to deteriorate, and he was eventually referred to Ambajogai in Beed district for further treatment. However, his health continued to worsen, and he was eventually shifted to SGH on June 6, 2025, in critical condition. At the hospital, the child was placed on mechanical ventilation for nearly 57 days, and his case was further complicated by pneumonia and nutritional deficiencies.

Throughout the arduous treatment process, the boy's mother, who was the sole caregiver after the passing of his father, remained by his side, supported by the hospital's pediatric department and medical social work team, who provided food and accommodations during her extended stay.

"Neonatal tetanus still occurs in some areas because mothers miss their vaccines or deliveries happen in unhygienic conditions. It is entirely preventable -- vaccinating mothers, ensuring clean deliveries, and giving children timely booster doses are critical," said Prof Dr. Aarti Kinikar of SGH, emphasizing the importance of immunization in preventing such life-threatening diseases.