Publication:

Descriptive profile of patients attending antirabies clinic: a hospital based study of animal bite cases in Patiala

Background The word “Rabies” is derived from Latin word ‘Rabus’, which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rabhas’ which means ‘to do violence’. In India, the dog has always existed as the main reservoir of rabies. Globally Asia contributes to highest Rabies mortality; with the highest incidence reported in India followed by China.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the antirabies clinic during the period of one year (2016-2017). A self-administered, pretested questionnaire was used to extract information on demographic profile, biting animal, nature of biting dog, vaccination status, WHO category of bite, site of bite. Information of 500 animal bite cases were collected during the study period.

Results Maximum cases were reported among children below 15 years age group i.e. 157 (31.4%). Majority reported cases 342 (68.40%) were males and maximum reported cases 338 (67.60%) were from urban area. Majority 472 (94.4%) were bitten by dogs. Approximately two third (66.74%) of the biting dogs were stray while, among the total 157 (33.26%) pet dogs; approximately only one third 59 (37.58%) were vaccinated.

Conclusions Since young children are more at risk of animal bite. So, educational sessions providing knowledge to protect themselves from bites should be a part of School Health Programme. A cooperative approach involving measures like proper garbage disposal, discouraging community owned dogs, helping dog catching squad and sterilization will help to reduce the dog population.