Knowledge about animal bite among animal bite victims attending an antirabies clinic in Srinagar, Kashmir

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a 100% fatal disease. Man acquires the disease once he gets bitten by a rabid animal or even on contact with its saliva on mucous membrane or broken skin. Although fatal but it's a 100% preventable disease as the incubation period gives us the chance to intervene before the disease could develop. To reduce the number of deaths due to rabies correct measures must be taken after an exposure. Objectives: To assess the knowledge regarding animal bite among animal bite victims Methods: This study is a cross-sectional hospital based study carried out for a period of one month in the anti-rabies clinic of SMHS hospital, Srinagar. Information was obtained from animal bite victims by applying a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Only 27 % of the participants knew that animal bite can lead to rabies. Only 27% of the cases had heard the term rabies. 56% knew that animal bite can be fatal. About 93% of the participants knew that vaccine is necessary after animal bite. 70% knew nothing about the wound care. Conclusion:There is a need to create awareness among the masses and among healthcare providers like ASHA workers as well so that awareness can be created at a large scale. Awareness about rabies must be spread among school children and even college going students. In addition measures must be taken to reduce dog population, pets should be vaccinated and indiscriminate throwing of the waste should be banned.