Epidemiological Profile and Awareness regarding Animal Bite Management in an Urban area of district Datia, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background:Rabies is a deadly Zoonotic disease most often transmitted to humans through animal bite. Since there is no community-based data to get the actual magnitude of Rabies infection and lack of awareness with misconceptions of patients in Datia region this study was planned.Objectives: To estimate the extent of problem & the epidemiological characteristics of animal bite cases.Methodology: It was Community Based Cross-sectional analytical study conducted at field practice area (UHTC) under Community Medicine Department of Government Medical College, Datia. The study was conducted for period 1 year. Interview schedule was used, and data was thoroughly cleaned and analysed using Epi info.Results: Total 420 cases of animal bites were studied in the present study. Most common biting animal was dog as 97.33% cases gave history of dog bite. Right lower limb was the most common (55%) biting sit. The local applications at the site of bite were tobacco snuff, red chillimiscellaneous which were practiced by 69% of cases. Conclusion: There is need for creating awareness in public and medical community about proper wound management and judicious use of anti-rabies vaccine.