CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY OF ANIMAL BITE VICTIMS AND RABIES POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS UNDER NRCP (NATIONAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMME) AT A RURAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH 24 PARGANAS OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA.

Abstract

Objectives -Rabies, an Endemic disease, is responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality in India. About 96% of the mortality and morbidity is associated with dog bites. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of animal bites and rabies post exposure prophylaxis under National Rabies Control Programme Methodology – It was a Record cross sectional study where complete enumeration of all animal bite victims were done. Total 2940 such cases were found in that year. Data of 42 cases was excluded due to incomplete records. Data was analysed using MS Excel. Animal Bite Exposure register under National Rabies Control Programme, Patient Treatment cards, Consolidated reports were evaluated as study tools. Results - Majority of the wounds were found in limbs in 2695 (93%) cases. It is followed by wound in other areas like face 104(3.6%) and back 95 (3.3%). In a few cases site of wound was not mentioned in the case record. Children were most commonly affected (28.2%).Cat -bite is most common (49.3%). Around 84.9% were Category II bite and rest are category III. Conclusion - Dogs and cats are mostly responsible of animal bites in this part of the country. There is need to control stray dogs .Children are found to be most vulnerable for animal bites. There is gap between eligible candidates for vaccine and those who actually received it both in Category II and III animal bite victims.