Misconception towards a fatal disease– Rabies and its Prophylaxis

Shirley P; Priyanka Dobhal; Manoj Verma; Amita Kashyap; Aviral Dobhal

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Misconception towards a fatal disease– Rabies and its Prophylaxis

Shirley P, Priyanka Dobhal, Manoj Verma, Amita Kashyap, Aviral Dobhal

Abstract :

Introduction: Rabies is an entirely preventable disease killing thousands of people in India. Information about knowledge and practices of people about animal bite can be useful for planning IEC activities. Methods: An observational study was conducted at Anti–rabies clinic of a tertiary center, from July 2014 to Jan 2015. Total 270 animal bite cases were interviewed using semi– structured questionnaire. Results: More than half respondents knew that rabies is absolutely fatal. Majority (96.6%) knew that dogs are main culprit and two third knew the importance of wound washing with soap and water. More than half (55.5%) respondents knew about availability of effective vaccine. Fifty percent washed wound with soap and water and 37.7% applied substances like chili, turmeric, mustard oil and chuna powder. Conclusion: Targeted IEC activities are needed to improve knowledge about rabies, immediate and proper wound washing, no application of irritants and control of stray dog population.