Her past history was contributory in that she had received no immunizations. During 1948, she had had pertussis, chickenpox, and measles in succession. Since that time her health had been good. Soon she could not open her mouth, and the next day her extremities became stiff and began to tremble. There was no history of exposure to acute or chronic illness and no history of recent injury.
Examination disclose a well-nourished, acutely ill child, with rigidity of all muscles.
The head was drawn back. The legs and feet were extended rigidly, and the arms also were stiff. The abdominal muscles were board-like. She talked clearly and was cooperative. When stimulated, she showed tremors of all muscles.