IJCM_413A: A cross sectional study to find out status of post exposure prophylaxis among animal bite cases in Raipur city Chhattisgarh.

Background: Rabies is a viral zoonosis that occurs in more than 100 countries and territories Although a number of carnivores and bat species serve as natural reservoirs, rabies in dogs is the source of 99% human infections and poses a potential threat to more than 3.3 billion people. In humans, rabies is highly fatal once clinical symptoms have developed. According to the World Health Organization, human rabies can be prevented completely by proper post exposure prophylaxis. In India alone, 20,000 deaths (i.e., about 2/100,000 population at risk) and 2 million bites, mostly by dogs, are estimated to occur annually. India has 36% global and 65% Asian rabies burden in terms of cases. Local treatment of wounds is of maximal value when applied immediately after exposure (within minutes if possible). Animal experiments have shown that local wound treatment can reduce the chances of developing rabies by up to 80%. Objectives: To find out the status of post exposure prophylaxis and associated factors among animal bite cases in Raipur city Chhattisgarh. Methodology: Type of study: A community based cross sectional survey Conducted at: Raipur District. Duration of study: Over a period of 3 months (November 2023- January 2024). Study Subjects: General Population. Inclusion criteria: General population, Raipur. Exclusion Criteria: 1) Patients who do not give consent. 2)Unconscious Very ill patients or patients with Mental illness. Results: Total of 1124 participants 41 had animal bite, 63.41% were males and 36.59% were females. Among the biting animals 83% were dogs, while cats were 15% and 2% were monkeys. Out of 41 cases 90.24% had Category II bite while 9.75% had Category III bite. 33 out of 41 i.e. 80.48% victims took Anti Rabies vaccine, while rest 19.52% preferred treatment from traditional healer. Conclusion: Majority of animal bite were of dog bite and were classified under Category II. Improved awareness, forestalling animal rabies, and better access to affordable and potent human rabies vaccines are essential for the elimination of human rabies.