PROFILE OF ANIMAL BITE CASES ATTENDING RURAL HEALTH CENTRE IN KANCEEPURAM DISTRICT, TAMILNADU.

Abstract

Rabies is an acute and fatal viral encephalitis transmitted from infected animal to humans. It is 100% fatal disease, but with timely,appropriate treatment, it is 100% preventable. There is a lot of misconceptions regarding rabies, due to inadequate knowledge regarding rabies, some of the animal bite victims ignores timely management. It is important to know about the practice in the community, and factors influencing post exposure treatment and  to initiate measures against  the wrong practices. To study the practices followed by the animal bite victims following exposure and to find out the misconception regarding animal bite among victims. Proportions. Out of  total  140  cases of  animal  bite, 47.2%  were below 25 years of age. Majority of the animal bite victims was  in the age group of 5 to 15 years. Majority of bites were due to stray dogs (92.8%). Only 15% of animal bite victims washed their wound with soap and water after  the  bite. Majority of the animal bite victims did not do appropriate wound management warrantsa great deal of information through health education with the community.