Abstract
BACKGROUND : Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease that is highly prevalent in low and middle-income countries. It is caused by the bite of rabies-infected animals and is fatal if not treated timely with post-exposure prophylaxis. In spite of several initiatives by the government, India is still the leading country for rabies death globally. It is high time the gaps in the program are assessed and rectified.
METHODOLOGY : We conducted this retrospective descriptive study using the secondary data from the case investigation form (CIF) obtained following a rabies death and analyzed the factors. A total of 121 CIF from rabies death that occurred from 2018 to 2022 were collected and analysed.
RESULTS : Majority of victims were males between the age of 41 to 50 years and less than 1% of them were completely vaccinated. Pet dogs were the major source of infection and lower limb was predominantly involved in the animal bites. Government institutions were the preferred site for wound care and treatment while the private institution was preferred for the management of rabies-infected victims. The incubation period varied from less than a month to one year.CONCLUSION : It was evident from the study that rabies death was due to lack of awareness about the treatment among the rabies victims leading to poor compliance. There is a need for frequent training in animal bite care and management and reporting among the healthcare workers to reduce the rabies death. It is high time initiatives are taken to achieve zero death due to rabies by 2030.
KEYWORDS : Rabies, Animal bite, Management, Immunoglobulin, vaccine.