ASSESSMENT OF FREQUENCY OF THE PATIENTS VISITING DOG BITE CENTER FOR RABIES VACCINATION

Background: Rabies is one the highly infectious disease of the central nervous system. The causative organism is Rabies LYSSA virus type-I. It is also known as Hydrophobia. Primarily it is a zoonotic disease of mammals. The reservoir and transmitters of the disease are carnivorous animals such as cats, dogs, monkeys, wolves and bats also. The disease in humans majorly spread through saliva of the rabid animals. Other body secretions and urine of the rabid animals are also source of rabies virus. Objectives: To understand the pathogenesis of the disease rabies and be able to manage this problem most effectively. To be able to avoid preventable deadly complications of this disease. To give awareness about right treatment and remove wrong concepts among the public about this highly fatal disease. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional. The study was conducted among the people visiting the rabies center. Duration of study within 1 month. A computer software statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Frequency and percentages were calculated were calculated for categorical variables and data was plotted into tables and graphs. Results: of cases, 63.3% have no knowledge of time peroid of vaccine adminstration while 36% have. 60% have no knowledge of sign and symptoms of rabies while 40% have. 60% cases seen in village.93.3% involved animal is dog while 5% cat and 1.7% any other.70% have knowledge of saliva, blood and abraded skin contact by animal cause rabies while 30% have not. 81.7% have treatment information in form of injection while 8.3% in form of medicine and 10% don’t know. Conclusion: Knowledge of dog bite and associated disease is average among the people visiting the rabies center for vaccination. Majority do know the importance of the medical assistance after the dog bite but their economical status makes it difficult for them to gain access to a good hospital or dog bite center. Only few clanged to the older methods of application of homemade paper bandage or seek help from a spiritual healer. Keyword: Rabies, Vaccination, Knowledge, Dog bite