files/journal/2022-09-03_18-51-40-000000_599.png

Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
About US
Editors
Issues
Pages
Indexed in
204
Views
10
Downloads

Biting Animal and Treatment Seeking Behaviour for Rabies Prophylaxis‐A Cross Sectional Study in North India

Aman Dev Singh, Simmi Oberoi, Neha Kaler, Ananya Vig, Bani Suri, Harjap Singh, Shweta and Gursimran Kaur Sashan
Page: 549-553 | Received 06 Jun 2024, Published online: 28 Jun 2024

Download Citation
https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.549.553

Full Text Reference XML File PDF File

Abstract

Rabies is a fatal viral infection affecting the central nervous system, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. In India, rabies causes approximately 20,000 to 30,000 deaths annually, with low utilization of vaccines and immunoglobulins. This study examines the species and vaccination status of biting animals and the treatment‐seeking behavior of bite victims in North India. A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted at an anti‐rabies clinic from November 2023 to January 2024. All incident animal bite cases reporting directly to the clinic were included, except for category 1 bite patients and those referred for immunoglobulin infiltration only. Data were collected on species, vaccination statustreatment‐seeking behavior of the victimsanalysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Out of 523 patients, 400 were enrolled in the study. Among these, 127 were bitten by pet animals and 273 by undomesticated animals. Labradors were the most frequently involved pet breed (25.2%). Only 52.8% of pets were fully vaccinated, with vaccination records available for only 29.1%. The majority of bites (81.25%) were unprovokedmost patients sought treatment within 6‐24 hours post‐bite. Unprovoked bites were significantly more common among undomesticated animals. The study highlights the significant role of undomesticated animals in rabies transmission in North India, with a high incidence of unprovoked bites. The findings underscore the need for enhanced public health campaigns to improve vaccination rates among pets and prompt medical attention following animal bites to reduce rabies incidence.

How to cite this article:

Aman Dev Singh, Simmi Oberoi, Neha Kaler, Ananya Vig, Bani Suri, Harjap Singh, Shweta and Gursimran Kaur Sashan. Biting Animal and Treatment Seeking Behaviour for Rabies Prophylaxis‐A Cross Sectional Study in North India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.549.553
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.549.553