Publication:

Clinico -epidemiological study of human rabies cases attending epidemic disease hospital Mysore city, Karnataka, India

Background Rabies is the 10th biggest cause of death due to infectious diseases worldwide. It is estimated that 2.5 billion people across 100 countries are at risk of contracting rabies. India reports 20,000 human rabies deaths annually which constitutes one third of global mortalities pertaining to the disease.

Methods Retrospective 15 years case record analysis was undertaken at Epidemic Disease hospital, Mysore. All the records of human rabies cases reported to the hospital from January 1999 to December 2013 were analyzed. Details regarding socio-demographic characteristics, exposure, post exposure prophylaxis, incubation period, duration of survival were collected in a structured proforma.

Results Among 100 human rabies reported in fifteen years, majority 76 (76.0%) were above the age of 14 years, 83 (83%) were males, 61 (61%) were belonging to lower socio economic status. Exposure to dogs was noted among 95 (95%) cases. Only 12 (12%) victims had washed the wound with soap and water, 41 (41%) had received antirabies vaccine of whom only 06 (14.6%) received full course.

Conclusions Majority of human rabies cases observed in the present study was among adults. Dog was the chief reservoir of infection. Poor post exposure prophylaxis was an important factor responsible for rabies.