Pattern of Injuries among Dog Bite Victims in an Urban Area of Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu

Abstract

Introduction: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by bite of an infected animal, dogs being the most common reservoir of the virus. India accounts about 59.9 % of rabies death in Asia. The site of bite, depth of the wound and health seeking behavior among the victims play a major role in the prevention and effective management of rabies Objectives: To study the pattern of injuries among dog bite victims in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 victims who visited a tertiary care veterinary hospital followed by a dog bite. They were selected by convenient sampling method. Data collected was analyzed statistically using SPSS 25.0 version. Result: In this study, the most common site of bite was lower limbs (62.0%). Prevalence of bite by stray dogs was high (56.2 %). Immediate post - exposure prophylaxis with soap and water was practiced by 78.5 %. Around 82.6% knew that it is preventable Conclusion: Health education about rabies vaccination and appropriate management measures with intersectoral coordination and community participation needed to achieve the target of zero human death from dog mediated rabies by 2030.

Keywords

• Rabies
• Vaccine
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis