Health care workers (HCW) are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human immunodeficiency viruses through Occupational Blood Exposure (OBE). Information on the incidence rate, epidemiological characteristics and transmission rate are essential to formulate effective preventive measures and management of OBE. From June-2016 to May-2018, OBE among HCW were captured systematically in EPINet (Exposure prevention information network) Register through Self reporting system. Data on number of in-patient days was collected. Incidence rate, epidemiological characteristics and transmission rate were analyzed and evaluated. Sixty seven OBE incidents were reported by HCWs accounting to an incidence rate of 0.2/1000 in-patient days. Of these, 94% were Needle stick injuries and 6% were Blood and body fluid exposures. OBE incidents occurred mainly in wards, emergency department and operation theatre with a rate of 38.8%, 35.8% and 14.9% respectively. Exposures were encountered mainly by Interns (32.8%), staff-nurses (22.4%), Postgraduate students (14.9%) and Nursing students (14.9%). Recapping of the needle was the activity which led to OBE in 37.3% and improper disposal of sharps in 22.38 % of the incidents. In addition, 19.4% and 8.95% of the incidents were due to accidental and patient factors respectively. None of the followed-up HCWs at the end of 6 months were infected by these exposures. The study brings out the epidemiological characteristics of OBE and throws a light on the target population among HCW who require more awareness and training to prevent OBE.
BACKGROUND One of the medical emergencies in our country among rural population is snake-bite particularly where agriculture is the main occupation of many people. Most houses are made of mud in rural India. Snakes enter the houses in search of food. More than 2,700 species of snakes are recognized world over, but only about 450 of these have front fangs that make them capable of injecting venom during the bite. Fortunately, only a few of them are known to be of medical importance. METHODS Complete history was elicited from the patients and patients' attenders. General physical examination was done in each case. Investigations done were-complete haemogram, bleeding time, clotting time, coagulation profile, blood sugar, renal function tests, serum electrolytes, ECG, chest x-ray, urine albumin and microscopy. RESULTS A total of 237 snake bite cases were reported and analysed in our study. Snake bite was common in age group of 18-30 years (51%). Males (63.3%) were affected more than Females (36.7%). Snake bite was more common between 12 PM to 6 PM. Snakebite occurred more in indoor (56.3%) than outdoor (43.9%). Among 237 snake bite patients, 78 (33%) patients showed signs of systemic envenomation, out of which 45 (19%) showed neurotoxicity, 21 (8%) had haematotoxicity and 12 (5.1%) had both neuro and haematotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Snake bite is a major health problem in our country in rural areas. It requires early identification of envenomation. It requires early treatment to prevent complications, and reduction in mortality. Our study gives knowledge about snake bite envenomation, prevalence, at tertiary centre in rural area which helps us to understand and predict complications due to snake bite at an early stage and helps in its management.
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